Opposition, Northern Politicians Plotting Akpabio’s Removal – CSOs

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised concerns over what it describes as a coordinated plot by opposition elements and dissatisfied northern political leaders to destabilise the Nigerian Senate and remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The CSOs, Civil Rights Africa and the League of Democracy Defenders, allege that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is at the forefront of the campaign, which includes accusations of sexual harassment and assassination attempts—claims the groups insist remain unproven.

In a joint statement signed by Amb. Ikemefuna Richard of Civil Rights Africa and Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed, National Secretary of the League of Democracy Defenders, the organisations accused a former presidential candidate of funding the campaign, with the backing of influential opposition figures and northern leaders discontent with the current political power structure.

The statement defended the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a disciplinary measure taken in accordance with the chamber’s rules following what they termed as sustained misconduct and behavior that threatened Senate decorum. They criticised the senator for choosing to fight back through media narratives instead of seeking redress through internal legislative procedures.

Responding to separate allegations that someone was jailed for rigging elections in Akpabio’s favor, the CSOs dismissed the claim as illogical and lacking in credibility. “How could the man who declared another winner be the same person accused of rigging for someone else? The desperation in concocting such stories is obvious,” the statement read.

The organisations reaffirmed Akpabio’s legitimacy, noting that he was elected Senate President with overwhelming support from lawmakers across party lines. They praised his leadership for fostering stability and collaboration within the Senate. The CSOs warned those allegedly involved in the plot to abandon their efforts, saying the plan had already been exposed, and urged the public and international observers to rely on verified facts rather than politically motivated allegations.