Sexual harassment: Group expresses concern over Akpabio’s sudden withdrawal from investigative panel

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The recent revelation made at a political television programme that the Nigerian Senate president Godswill Akpabio has withdrawn from the panel set up to investigate sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central worries a civil society group.

The group, Citizens Quest for Truth(CQT) has therefore called on Senator Akpabio to explain to Nigerians reason why he suddenly withdrew from the panel.

Oby Ndukwe, president of CQT made the revelation Saturday, May 3, 2025, during Politics Today on Channels Television anchored by by Seun Okinbaloye.

Sources say President Bola Tinubu formed the panel on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with members including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and one representative each from Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The panel was tasked with probing allegations that sparked national controversy.

Akpabio’s withdrawal, without an official explanation, has fuelled speculation. Sources claim he cited executive interference and doubts about the panel’s neutrality.

Tensions between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated after her February 2025 accusations of sexual harassment.

The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday, March 6, 2025, pending the investigation’s outcome, a move critics called a silencing tactic.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to present evidence in court to prove her case against the president of the Nigerian 10th Senate.