Natasha: Akpabio, Saraki Trade Words Over Allegation of Misconduct, Plot to Oust Senate Leadership

Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has denied any sinister plot to oust the incumbent Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

This came in response to Akpabio’s recent claims that there were sinister plots by some person to remove a Niger Delta leader Senate President from office.

Spear News reported that Senate President Godswill Akpabio accused some experienced politicians of plotting to remove him from office, using the controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a cover to achieve their aims.

Akpabio had on Friday last week alleged that there were “individuals, who are well versed in the Senate’s rules regarding unethical conduct, deliberately ignoring the substantive issues due to opposition politics.”

Although the Senate President did not mention names, it was reported the he was referring to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, from Adamawa and Kwara States respectively, who had earlier issued statements calling for him to step aside in relation to the case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

He made these remarks during a visit from leaders of youth groups representing various ethnic nationalities at the Senate Guest House in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday night.

“The first time the Niger Delta had a Senate President, as you rightly noted, was 46 years ago. Whatever the opposition may do, we will not treat that office lightly,” Akpabio stated. He added, “The Senate President represents not just himself but the entire people of the Niger Delta.”

However, in fresh statement issued by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, Saraki described Akpabio’s remarks as “cheap politics” and an attempt to divert attention from the core issue at hand. He emphasised that his earlier statement on March 1, 2025, was not a call for Akpabio’s resignation but a plea for the Senate to uphold its integrity by ensuring a transparent and unbiased investigation into the allegations.

“Dr. Saraki never suggested that the Senate President should resign or step aside. Rather, he advised that Akpabio should act in the best interest of the legislative institution by ensuring that no reasonable person is left in doubt about the fairness and thoroughness of the investigation,” the statement read.

The allegations, raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi State, include claims of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office. Saraki stressed that such serious accusations must be handled with utmost transparency to protect the credibility of the Senate and the broader legislative institution.

“Dr. Saraki’s intervention was not about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or the validity of her claims. It was about safeguarding the image of the Senate as an institution that upholds justice, fairness, and accountability,” the statement continued.

Saraki also dismissed Akpabio’s insinuation that the call for due process was motivated by ethnic or political considerations. He reiterated that his suggestions were based on the need to follow established constitutional processes, Senate rules, and precedents, regardless of the Senate President’s political affiliation or regional background.

“This issue is not about ethnicity, political parties, or regional divides. It is about doing what is right for the institution and the country. Exploiting ethnic sentiments or political divisions will only harm the Senate’s credibility and public trust,” the statement added.

Saraki further emphasised that the Senate has a responsibility to set an example in addressing issues of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, which are pervasive challenges faced by women across Nigeria. He called on Akpabio and the Senate leadership to conduct an open, transparent, and honest investigation to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

“When sensitive matters like this arise, they present an opportunity for institutions to demonstrate their commitment to justice and equality. The Senate must handle this issue with the seriousness it deserves to maintain the confidence of the public and the international community,” the statement concluded.