A storm of controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s political sphere as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of a long-standing pattern of sexual misconduct. In a recent interview on Untold Stories With Adesuwa, hosted by Adesuwa G, Atiku made the damning claim that Akpabio, even during his tenure as a governor, was notorious for sexually abusing women while in office. The allegations have reignited a firestorm surrounding Akpabio, who has been under scrutiny since Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused him of sexual harassment earlier this month.
Atiku’s Bombshell Revelation
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former Vice President of Nigeria, did not mince words during his interview with Adesuwa G. He stated that Akpabio’s reputation for violating women has long been an open secret in Abuja’s political circles. “Even as a governor, Senate President Akpabio has been notorious for sexually abusing women while in office,” Atiku said, lending credence to earlier accusations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The interview, which aired on March 25, 2025, has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with users like @FakhuusHashim amplifying Atiku’s claims on X: “Not like anyone doubted Sen Natasha, but Akpabio is infamous in Abuja for violating women.”
Atiku’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between him and Akpabio, who recently claimed that certain individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States—presumably Atiku and former Senate President Bukola Saraki—were orchestrating efforts to remove him from his position as Senate President due to his Niger Delta origins. Atiku, hailing from Adamawa, and Saraki, from Kwara, have both publicly called for Akpabio to submit to an open and transparent investigation into the allegations against him.
The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Allegations
The controversy surrounding Akpabio began earlier this month when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused him of sexual harassment in an interview on March 6, 2025. According to a report by the BBC, Natasha alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023. She further claimed that Akpabio insinuated she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration on the Senate floor. These allegations led to her suspension from the Senate for six months, a decision the Senate leadership attributed to her “unruly and disruptive” behavior during a session, rather than her accusations against Akpabio.
The suspension sparked outrage among women’s rights advocates and led to protests in Abuja, with groups both supporting and opposing Akpabio taking to the streets. One group chanted “Akpabio must go,” while another rallied in his defense. During her suspension, Natasha has been barred from the National Assembly premises, and her office has been locked, further fueling public debate about the Senate’s handling of sexual harassment allegations.
Saraki’s Call for Transparency
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has also weighed in on the controversy, reiterating his call for a transparent investigation into the allegations against Akpabio. In a statement reported by allAfrica.com on March 10, 2025, Saraki emphasized the need for an open probe to uphold the integrity of the Senate and restore public confidence in the institution. “A transparent investigation on the issue is essential to ensuring that the Senate is not perceived as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, victimization, or abuse of power,” Saraki stated.
Saraki’s comments were in response to Akpabio’s claims of a regional conspiracy against him, which appeared to target both Saraki and Atiku. The former Senate President insisted that only an impartial investigation could address the gravity of the allegations and prevent further damage to the Senate’s reputation.
A Pattern of Political Tensions
The clash between Atiku and Akpabio is not an isolated incident but part of a broader history of political rivalries. Atiku, a veteran politician, has been a central figure in the PDP, notably securing the party’s presidential nomination in 2022 after former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal stepped down in his favor during the primaries. This event, which was also discussed on Untold Stories With Adesuwa in 2024, highlighted the complex dynamics within the PDP, with Saraki refuting Tambuwal’s claim that he had been informed of the decision to withdraw.
Akpabio, on the other hand, has been a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics. As Senate President, he has faced criticism for his leadership style and now finds himself at the center of a scandal that threatens to derail his political career. The allegations of sexual misconduct, coupled with Atiku’s public condemnation, have intensified calls for accountability and raised questions about the culture of impunity in Nigeria’s political elite.
Public Reaction and the Road Ahead
The allegations against Akpabio have sparked a broader conversation about gender-based violence and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics. On X, users have expressed a mix of outrage and support for the accusers, with many praising Adesuwa G for providing a platform for these critical discussions. “Thank you for the work you do! These conversations are needed,” wrote @ali_vinsane in response to Adesuwa’s post about the Atiku interview.
As the controversy unfolds, the pressure is mounting on Akpabio to address the allegations head-on. Atiku’s remarks have added significant weight to Natasha’s claims, and with Saraki’s insistence on a transparent investigation, the Senate President may find it increasingly difficult to avoid scrutiny. The outcome of this saga could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, potentially reshaping public trust in the country’s legislative institutions and highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to address sexual harassment and abuse of power.
For now, the nation watches closely as Atiku, Akpabio, and the Senate navigate this explosive chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
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