Senator Godswill Akpabio has been criticized following reports that he withdrew from a presidential committee set up to investigate sexual harassment claims made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

Formed on April 2, 2025, the presidential panel was assigned the responsibility of investigating the serious allegations of sexual harassment made by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

On Monday, May 5, the Action Collective (AC), a political advocacy group, released a statement to the press in Abuja, expressing their stance. The statement, signed by their coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, demands clarification from Akpabio and questions his decision to withdraw from a process initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The panel, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, features prominent national figures, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Attorney General of the Federation, as well as representatives selected by both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The AC suggested that Akpabio’s departure might be linked to his alleged claim of undue interference by the Executive and a lack of confidence in the panel’s impartiality. However, the group rejected this reasoning.

The allegations have stirred significant division in public opinion and intensified tensions in the Senate. Critics argue that the legislative body sought to suppress the matter by suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during the ongoing investigation. The AC, in a statement, have challenged the justification of Akpabio’s withdrawal.

“Is Akpabio saying he lacks confidence in the current presidency or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?” the statement asked.

“We believe that Senator Akpabio owes Nigerians and the world a duty to speak out or step aside as President of the Senate.”

The allegations have caused a sharp division in public opinion and heightened tensions within the Senate. Critics have accused the legislative body of trying to suppress the matter by suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan while the investigations were still in progress.

The group called on civil society, opinion leaders, and the presidency to ensure that the issue is not ignored. They praised President Tinubu for what they described as a commendable decision in establishing the investigative panel.

AC also accused individuals of trying to damage her credibility, pointing to recent counterclaims from the discredited Prof. Mgbake as part of an unsuccessful smear campaign.