In a new twist to the unfolding political drama at the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly withdrawn from a presidential panel set up to investigate sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
The revelation came to light during Saturday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
According to credible sources, the panel was constituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 2 and was to be chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Other members include the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney General of the Federation; and one representative each nominated by Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The panel was tasked with probing the serious allegations, which have attracted national attention and stirred public debate.
Akpabio’s alleged decision to step down from the panel, without any official statement, has fueled widespread speculation. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the Senate President cited undue executive interference and a lack of trust in the panel’s impartiality as his reasons for withdrawal.
Tensions between Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have been mounting in recent months, following the latter’s public accusation of sexual harassment. In a controversial response, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan pending the outcome of the investigation—a move widely criticized as an attempt to silence her.
