PDP Condemns Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension, Accuses Senate of Cover-Up

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemning it as an attempt to suppress allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

PDP Challenges Senate’s Decision, Calls for Fair Hearing

In a statement released on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the Senate’s action as hasty and unjust, alleging that it was a desperate move to cover up the allegations against Akpabio.

“The hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President not only negates the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention, but also portrays the Senate as an institution that endorses and condones misconduct,” the statement read.

The opposition party also pointed out that the six-month suspension denies the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their constitutional right to representation in the National Assembly.

Akpabio’s Past Allegations Resurface

The PDP further claimed that this was not the first time Akpabio had been accused of sexual harassment. The party referenced a previous case involving Dr. Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who also accused Akpabio of misconduct.

“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, what Nigerians expected of him was to clear his name by stepping aside in line with established parliamentary practice, allowing an open and unbiased investigation,” the statement added.

The PDP argued that Akpabio’s refusal to step aside has tarnished the image of the Senate, stating that the integrity of Nigeria’s highest lawmaking body is now being questioned.

PDP Alleges Leadership Crisis in the Senate

Beyond the sexual harassment claims, the PDP also accused the Akpabio-led Senate of being plagued by scandals and incompetence.

“Since Senator Akpabio assumed office as the Senate President, the leadership of the Senate has been largely unfocused and constantly embroiled in scandals, including allegations of financial impropriety and negligence of its constitutional duty of checks and balances,” the party stated.

The PDP insisted that Akpabio must be subjected to an independent investigation, urging the Senate to prioritize transparency, accountability, and fairness.

As the controversy unfolds, political observers are keenly watching how the National Assembly, civil society groups, and the Federal Government will respond to the PDP’s call for justice and accountability.