Akpabio/Akpoti-Uduaghan: Northern Democrats Back Independent Probe

League of Northern Democrats (LND) have backed calls for an independent probe into the alleged sexual harassment saga involving the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The northern group recommended that a neutral body such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or a special parliamentary ethics committee should conduct the probe.

It also called for Akpabio to step down as Senate president to allow for an unhindered investigation of the allegations, and advocated for public disclosure of findings and appropriate legal action based on the outcome of the investigation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan caused a controversy last week after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment which led to counter-accusations and the legal action initiated by Akpabio’s wife.

The allegations have led to calls for independent investigation by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Senate president Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

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Reacting also, LND, through its spokesperson, Dr. Ladan Salihu, demanded a firm commitment from the Senate leadership to uphold ethical standards and prevent future abuses of power within the institution.

“A national discourse on ethical governance to ensure that issues of gender-based discrimination and abuse of office are addressed through policy and legislative reforms,” Salihu said.

The LND spokesperson, who described the allegations against Akpabio as gravely concerning, added that the situation has transcended personal disputes and now directly affects the credibility, stability and effectiveness of the Nigerian Senate – an institution critical to national governance and democracy.

“This controversy exposes deep systemic issues within Nigeria’s governance framework, including abuse of power, gender-based discrimination, moral decadence and corruption. These challenges not only undermine public trust in democratic institutions but also citizens’ trust on those involved. Importantly also, they distract the senate from the urgent legislative priorities facing the nation.

At a time when Nigeria is grappling with insecurity, economic hardship and widespread governance failures, it is unacceptable for the leadership of the Senate to be embroiled in scandals that divert attention from national progress.

“LND reaffirms its belief that public officeholders must uphold the highest ethical standards in their conduct. Allegations of misconduct, particularly those bordering on abuse of office and sexual harassment, must be treated with utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly. No individual, regardless of their position, should be shielded from accountability. The Senate, as a national institution, cannot afford to be seen as a place where power is used for personal advantage rather than public service.

“To restore public confidence and protect the integrity of the Senate, LND demands: An independent and transparent investigation into the allegations, led by a neutral body such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or a special parliamentary ethics committee;

“Stepping down of Akpabio as Senate President to allow for an unhindered investigation of the allegations. As the saying goes, Ceaser’s wife must be above suspicion;

“Public disclosure of findings and appropriate legal action based on the outcome of the investigation;

“A firm commitment from the Senate leadership to uphold ethical standards and prevent future abuses of power within the institution.”

He also called a national discourse on ethical governance to ensure that issues of gender-based discrimination and abuse of office are addressed through policy and legislative reforms.

“The Nigerian Senate must recognize that its primary responsibility is to serve the people, not to be consumed by personal conflicts and scandals.

“LND calls on all senators to rise above partisan and personal interests to refocus on the urgent challenges facing the country. The credibility of the legislative institution is at stake, and the nation cannot afford a Senate that is distracted from its constitutional duties.

“LND will continue to advocate for ethical governance, accountability and the protection of democratic institutions. We urge all parties involved in this controversy to act with restraint, respect due process and prioritize the national interest over personal disputes. The Nigerian people deserve a Senate that is focused on delivering good governance, not one entangled in moral and political decadence,” LND said.