APC Forum dismisses allegations against Akpabio, calls for security action

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations made by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling them part of a politically motivated scheme by opposition parties.

The Forum further warned that the protests calling for Akpabio’s resignation were part of a broader effort to destabilise the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This response follows the “Akpabio Must Go” protests held at the National Assembly and across parts of the FCT on Wednesday, where Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters demanded the Senate President step down pending an investigation into the sexual harassment claims.

The protesters, who gathered outside the National Assembly from as early as 8:00 a.m., carried banners reading “Akpabio Must Go” and “Protect Women’s Rights,” demanding accountability and urging the Senate to probe Akpabio.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 elections, accused the protesters of being orchestrated to incite unrest and anarchy in the FCT.

The Forum issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the protesters to vacate the streets of the capital, warning security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to remain vigilant against any efforts to create chaos under the guise of protest.

“We are putting the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and other security agencies on alert over the plot to cause unrest and destabilise the FCT through these sponsored protests aimed at advancing opposition political agendas,” the statement read.

“We cannot stand by as anarchists jeopardise the peace of the capital city, which has remained stable under President Tinubu’s administration.”

The Forum also cast doubt on the veracity of the allegations, insisting that there was no evidence to support the claims that Akpabio committed the alleged offense.

They further questioned why Akpoti-Uduaghan only made the accusation after the Senate President referred her to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for breaching Senate rules.

“Would Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have remained silent on this alleged harassment if Akpabio had not referred her for investigation?” the statement asked.

“Akpabio has proven to be an effective leader, fostering a productive relationship between the executive and legislature, which has contributed to significant reforms under President Tinubu’s administration.”

The APC Forum criticised the protests as part of a broader opposition strategy to disrupt the National Assembly and, by extension, the government, warning that the objective was to undermine the positive working relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

“We urge all members of our party and well-meaning Nigerians to reject this plot and not allow it to succeed,” the statement continued.

“We also call on the Senate and the National Assembly to stay focused and not be distracted by the antics of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters, whose actions are driven by selfish political motives.”

Although Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central, the Forum stressed that stakeholders from the North-Central region do not support her actions, which they view as contrary to the interests of regional and national progress.

“We disown Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, which we believe are not in the best interests of the North-Central region or the country,” the statement concluded.

It is important to note that Akpabio denied the sexual harassment allegations during a plenary session on Wednesday, categorically stating that he had never harassed any woman, the statement added.