Sexual Harassment Allegations: Civil Group Demands Akpabio’s Resignation to Save Nigeria’s Image
ABUJA/Nigeria: A political and civil advocacy group, Action Collective, has called on the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to immediately resign from office over a string of sexual harassment allegations, warning that his continued stay in office is damaging Nigeria’s international image and undermining confidence in the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, the group said the recurring nature of the allegations against Senator Akpabio points to a disturbing pattern of behavior that should not be ignored. The group said the most recent allegation by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not an isolated case, recalling that in 2020, Joy Nunieh, former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), had also publicly accused Akpabio of attempted sexual harassment in his Abuja guest house—a claim she said she resisted by slapping him.
“Akpabio’s character has long been in question,” the statement read. “Although he denied the allegation and threatened legal action at the time, the consistent nature of these claims raises serious concerns. In any sane democracy, such a public officer would have stepped aside to allow for a thorough, independent, and unhindered investigation.”
Action Collective accused the Senate of fostering a culture of impunity by failing to respond swiftly and seriously to the allegations, warning that such inaction risks eroding public trust in the country’s legislative arm. “We are mindful of the presumption of innocence, but we are even more committed to institutional integrity. Senator Akpabio’s continued presence as Senate President is an embarrassment to Nigeria and a grave disservice to every woman in the country,” the group stated.
The group further urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and global human rights institutions to add their voices to the call for Akpabio’s resignation, insisting that stepping aside is the only honorable path to protect the dignity of Nigeria’s leadership. “If we must build a nation that commands global respect, we must first demonstrate moral accountability at the highest levels,” Onyejuwe concluded.
