A civic advocacy group, Action Collective (AC), has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to publicly explain his abrupt exit from a presidential investigative panel set up to probe sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
The group, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and signed by its coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, expressed shock over Akpabio’s withdrawal from the high-level committee formed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 2, 2025.
The disclosure was reportedly made during a recent episode of Politics Today on Channels Television, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
The investigative panel, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, was tasked with examining Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations, which have generated significant public debate.
Other members of the panel included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney General of the Federation; and one nominee each from Senator Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Action Collective emphasized that the panel was established to handle a matter of national concern and urged full transparency in the process.
“It is deeply concerning that Senator Akpabio has reportedly pulled out of the panel without offering any formal reason,” the group stated.
“We have learned that he cited interference from the executive and doubts about the panel’s impartiality as reasons for his withdrawal.”
The group questioned whether Akpabio’s move suggested a lack of trust in President Tinubu’s administration.
“If the Senate President believes the panel lacks neutrality, is he also questioning the integrity of the presidency?” the group asked.
They further criticized what they described as attempts to derail public focus from the allegations.
“Recent efforts to discredit Senator Natasha using proxies, including a controversial academic, have failed. The truth continues to come to light,” the statement added.
Action Collective urged the Nigerian public and thought leaders to demand accountability and transparency in the matter, stressing the importance of preserving the nation’s image.
“The presidency has taken a commendable first step by initiating this panel. It must now ensure that the investigation is completed without bias or interference,” the group concluded.
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