Civil society groups have raised concerns over what they allege is a coordinated campaign by opposition elements and discontented northern political leaders to destabilize the Senate and unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a joint statement, Civil Rights Africa and the League of Democracy Defenders accused suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of spearheading a smear campaign against Akpabio. They claim this campaign includes unverified allegations of sexual harassment and assassination attempts, which remain unproven.
The statement, signed by Amb. Ikemefuna Richard (Civil Rights Africa) and Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed (League of Democracy Defenders), further alleged that the campaign is being funded by a former presidential candidate and supported by key opposition leaders dissatisfied with the current political balance.
The groups defended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, describing it as a disciplinary measure taken in accordance with Senate rules due to her alleged misconduct and persistent disruption of proceedings. They criticized her for bypassing internal grievance channels and resorting instead to public media campaigns targeting Akpabio and the National Assembly.
“The suspension…was a disciplinary action taken in line with the rules and ethics of the Nigerian Senate, following her sustained misconduct and disruptive tendencies that threatened the peace and integrity of the Red Chamber,” the CSOs stated.
They also rejected separate allegations that someone was jailed for allegedly rigging an election in Akpabio’s favor, calling such claims illogical and lacking in credibility.
“How could the person who declared another as the winner of the election be the same one contracted to rig for the alleged loser? Such contradictions expose the desperation behind these narratives,” the statement read.
Reaffirming Akpabio’s legitimacy, the groups highlighted his broad-based support across party lines during his election as Senate President. They credited him with bringing vision, stability, and effective collaboration to the upper legislative chamber.
The CSOs urged those allegedly involved in the campaign to abandon their efforts, warning that their intentions have been exposed. They also called on the public, international observers, and democracy advocates to focus on verified facts and avoid being misled by baseless allegations.
