Pro-Akpabio Kogi group passes vote of no confidence on Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Ebira Youth Leaders Forum has passed a vote of no confidence on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her recent allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The announcement comes ahead of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions’ inquiry into the matter, scheduled for Tuesday, 4 March 2025.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the group’s president, Otomio Abdullahi, called for a thorough and independent investigation, urging the Senate to ensure the process remains free from undue influence or political interference.

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In a strongly worded statement, the forum criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, stating that her allegations have brought unnecessary controversy to the Senate and misrepresented the values of the Ebira people.

“This press conference has become necessary in light of recent political developments that, if left unaddressed, could not only damage the image of the peace-loving and truth-bearing Ebira people but also tarnish the reputation of the Senate President and the institution of the National Assembly,” Abdullahi stated.

He stressed that the group’s stance was not based on ethnic bias but on the need to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions from what he described as “chronic blackmail,” he added.

The group questioned the credibility of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, pointing out contradictions in her claims.

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The forum also dismissed the senator’s claims of victimisation, arguing that her complaints about seat reassignment in the Senate were unjustified.

The forum accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of having a pattern of making allegations of sexual harassment for political gain.

“His Excellency, the Senate President, is not the first victim of her accusations. She has previously levelled similar claims against former presidential aide Reno Omokri and ex-Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello. How is it that no other female senator has raised such allegations against Akpabio, a man who has served as Commissioner, Governor, and Minister with several female colleagues under his leadership?” the statement read.

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The Ebira Youth Leaders Forum called on the Senate Ethics Committee to handle the upcoming investigation with strict impartiality.

“If found guilty of misconduct, adequate punishment should be meted out to her, including possible suspension. As her constituents, we will not hesitate to activate the legal process for her recall at the appropriate time,” Abdullahi warned.

With tensions rising ahead of the Senate’s inquiry, all eyes will be on the outcome of the proceedings and its implications for Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio, and the wider political landscape.