Akpabio withdraws from panel investigating sexual harassment allegations

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reportedly withdrawn from the presidential panel established to investigate sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.  

The presidential panel, formed by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, was initially chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and included National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney General of the Federation, and representatives from both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpabio’s withdrawal from the panel, which occurred without any official explanation, has ignited widespread speculation.

Unconfirmed sources suggest that he cited concerns about executive interference and expressed doubts regarding the panel’s impartiality.

The allegations of sexual harassment, leveled by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio in February 2025, had significantly heightened tensions between the two political figures and captured the attention of the Nigerian public.