President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has reportedly withdrawn from a presidential panel constituted to investigate the allegation of sexual harassment against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central senatorial district.
This was revealed by Oby Ndukwe, President of Citizens Quest for Truth (CQT) on Saturday, May 3, 2025, when he featured on Channels Television programme ‘Politics Today’.
It was gathered that chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the panel was constituted by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Other members of the panel include the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and one representative each from Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The panel was accordingly tasked with probing allegations that sparked national controversy.
However, without an official explanation, Akpabio withdrew from the panel thereby fuelling more speculations with regards to his defence of his involvement in the sexual harassment saga.
It was however gathered that Sen Akpabio is raising concerns over what he described as “executive interference” just as he expressed doubts about the neutrality of the panel.
The tension generated between Senators Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated after she accused the Senate President of sexual harassment in February 2025.
The Akpabio-led Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday, March 6, 2025, which it predicated on her refusal to accept a sitting arrangement amongst other things.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Natasha was seen by political observers and critics as a way of silencing her.
But, in spite of her suspension and ongoing controversy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained committed and determined to pursue her case, saying; “I will fight for justice”.
Accordingly, Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed that she would continue her case against Akpabio in court where she would present evidence.
