The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, describing it as a desperate move by the Senate leadership to cover up serious allegations.
The party in a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment is condemnable.
The PDP insisted that Akpabio must submit himself for an open and unbiased investigation.
Senator Natasha was suspended for six months, after questioning the Senate leadership over a change of seat.
According to the PDP, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was rushed without a fair hearing or an independent investigation. The party argued that such action contradicts parliamentary principles and raises concerns about the Senate’s integrity.
“The hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, without an open investigation into the serious allegation of sexual harassment, undermines the Senate’s credibility. It portrays the institution as one that protects misconduct rather than upholding justice,” the PDP statement read.
Furthermore, the PDP pointed out that suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months deprives the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone of their right to representation in the Senate.
The PDP accused Akpabio of using his position as Senate President to block an open investigation into the allegations against him. The party recalled that this was not the first time Akpabio had faced similar accusations.
“This incident reminds Nigerians of the sexual harassment allegation previously made against Akpabio by the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Joi Nunieh,” the statement added.
The PDP argued that if Akpabio had nothing to hide, he should step aside and allow a thorough investigation. The party emphasized that the allegations have now damaged the reputation of Nigeria’s National Assembly, making it necessary for the Senate President to clear his name.
Beyond the sexual harassment allegations, the PDP criticized Akpabio’s leadership, stating that his tenure as Senate President has been plagued by scandals, financial controversies, and weak oversight of the executive arm of government.
The party also reminded Nigerians that Akpabio has pending corruption allegations before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including the alleged misappropriation of ₦108.1 billion during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor and an ₦86 billion contract scandal linked to the NDDC when he was Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
The statement reads:
