Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging that the latter was not only corrupt during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State but also engaged in a habitual pattern of abusing women. The explosive claims were made during an interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, a snippet of which was shared on X on Tuesday by Abdulrasheed Shehu, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Media.
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, did not mince words when asked about Akpabio’s character. “Not only was he corrupt, but he was also in the habit of abusing women,” Atiku stated, painting a damning picture of the Senate President’s past. The former Vice President’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of Akpabio’s conduct, both as a former governor and in his current role as Nigeria’s third-ranking official.
Akpabio, who governed Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015 before serving as Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022, has faced multiple allegations of corruption over the years. However, Atiku’s latest accusation adds a new dimension, tying financial impropriety to claims of personal misconduct. The Senate President was elected to represent Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in 2023 and ascended to the leadership of the upper chamber that same year.
The allegations echo previous claims against Akpabio. Notably, Joy Nunieh, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), had accused him of sexual harassment during his time as minister, claiming she once slapped him in response to his advances. More recently, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her, linking her subsequent six-month suspension from the Senate to her rejection of his overtures. Akpabio has consistently denied these accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Atiku’s comments have reignited public debate about Akpabio’s fitness for office, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the Senate President’s past and present conduct. “These are serious allegations that cannot be swept under the carpet,” said Lagos-based lawyer and activist, Femi Adebayo. “If true, they raise questions about the integrity of our legislative leadership.”
In the interview, Atiku also addressed broader political issues, including the National Assembly’s swift approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. “I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt,” he said, suggesting that Akpabio’s influence played a role in the decision. “The Senate President is known to have that type of character, even when he was a governor.”
As of press time, Akpabio’s office had not issued an official response to Atiku’s allegations. However, a source close to the Senate President dismissed the claims as “a desperate attempt by a fading political figure to tarnish the image of a respected leader.” The source added that Akpabio remains focused on his legislative duties and will not be distracted by what they described as “malicious gossip.”
The controversy comes at a time when Akpabio is already under pressure following Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which has drawn criticism from women’s rights groups and opposition figures alike. Atiku himself had previously called for a transparent probe into her allegations against Akpabio, urging President Tinubu and the Senate to uphold justice and accountability.
Political analysts suggest that Atiku’s remarks may be part of a broader strategy to position himself as a moral counterweight to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. “This is classic Atiku—using high-profile critiques to stay relevant,” said Chidi Okonkwo, a political commentator. “But the gravity of these accusations means they cannot be ignored.”
As the dust settles, Nigerians await Akpabio’s response and whether the Senate will take steps to address the mounting allegations against its leader. For now, Atiku’s words have added fuel to an already fiery debate about power, privilege, and accountability in the nation’s political sphere.
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