The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down to allow an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had charged Akpabio of victimising her in the Senate because she rejected his sexual advances.
She had claimed that Akpabio made multiple advances toward her, including in the presence of her husband.
However, in a statement released on Monday, Ambassador Sanin Yaya, Publicity Secretary of CNPP Kaduna State, stressed that public officeholders must uphold the highest ethical standards, adding that the allegations could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s legislative body.
CNPP Kaduna State further urged the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee to collaborate with external bodies, including civil society organisations and legal experts, to ensure a transparent and unbiased inquiry.
The group warned that any attempt to delay or politicise the matter could erode public trust in the Senate’s ability to self-regulate.
The CNPP Kaduna State also called on relevant authorities, including the Nigerian police, National Human Rights Commission, and gender-rights advocates, to ensure Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s safety while ensuring a fair and transparent process.
The statement reads in part, "The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Kaduna State Chapter, urgently calls on the Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to temporarily relinquish his office to allow for an independent and impartial investigation into serious allegations of sexual harassment raised against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
As a coalition dedicated to justice, accountability, and the rule of law, the CNPP Kaduna State emphasizes that public officeholders must embody the highest ethical standards. The gravity of these allegations, as detailed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, threatens not only the moral authority of the Senate but also public confidence in Nigeria’s legislative institution.
"Stepping aside is not an admission of guilt but a critical measure to ensure the integrity of the investigative process. We demand that the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee collaborate with credible external bodies, including civil society organizations and legal experts, to conduct a transparent inquiry. Any delay or politicization of this process will deepen distrust in the Senate’s ability to self-regulate.
"Leadership demands accountability. These allegations, if mishandled, will undermine Nigeria’s progress toward gender equality and ethical governance.
“We commend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bravery in speaking out and insist that Senator Akpabio’s temporary recusal is essential to safeguard the credibility of this investigation. Justice must prevail, unimpeded by power or privilege.”
"The CNPP Kaduna State urges all stakeholders—including the Nigerian Police, the National Human Rights Commission, and gender-rights advocates—to ensure the accuser’s safety and the fairness of proceedings. We call on the media and civil society to closely monitor this case and demand transparency at every stage," the statement added.