Saraki Warns Akpabio Against Politicising Calls For Transparency In Senate

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has criticized the claims made by the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, regarding calls for an impartial investigation into allegations leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Saraki described Akpabio’s comments as an attempt to “trivialize a serious issue” and turn it into “cheap political rhetoric.”
In a statement signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki emphasized that his March 1st, 2025 press release never suggested Akpabio’s resignation. Instead, he urged Akpabio to uphold the integrity of the Senate by ensuring a thorough and transparent inquiry into the allegations, leaving no room for doubts about the institution’s credibility.
Reacting to Akpabio’s statement to a group of “youth ethnic leaders” that individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States were plotting his removal because he hails from the Niger Delta, Saraki dismissed the claim as misleading. He argued that the core issue at hand was not about Akpabio’s ethnic background but the credibility of the Senate as a legislative body.
“Ordinarily, Dr. Saraki would have ignored the statement as political theatrics. However, Akpabio’s attempt to shift the focus from a serious institutional matter to ethnic and regional sentiments cannot be left unchallenged,” the statement read.
Saraki reiterated that his concern was about the perception of the Senate in handling issues of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and abuse of power. He warned against actions that might create the impression that the Senate is shielding those accused of misconduct rather than ensuring accountability.
Saraki clarified that his intervention was not aimed at taking sides with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or determining the validity of her claims. Instead, he stressed the need for an independent, unbiased, and open investigation to uphold the Senate’s integrity and prevent any appearance of cover-ups.
“Existing constitutional provisions, legal frameworks, Senate rules, conventions, and past precedents provide clear guidelines for addressing such allegations. The leadership of the Senate must follow due process,” Saraki stated.
He further dismissed claims that his stance was politically motivated or regionally biased, insisting that the issue should not be reduced to party or ethnic affiliations.
“Dr. Saraki’s position would remain unchanged regardless of where the Senate President comes from or which political party he belongs to. It is a matter of principle, not politics,” the statement added.
Saraki warned Akpabio against exploiting ethnic and political divisions for personal defense, arguing that such an approach would neither serve his interests nor protect the credibility of the Senate.
“This is not an issue to be manipulated for political gain. The Senate President must address the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Saraki said.
Highlighting the broader implications, Saraki noted that allegations related to sexual harassment and gender discrimination resonate deeply within society. Mishandling such issues within the legislature could erode public trust in the institution.
“When an allegation of this nature arises in a legislative body, it should be handled with transparency and accountability. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” Saraki emphasized.
Reaffirming his earlier stance, Saraki maintained that a thorough and transparent investigation is necessary to ensure that the Senate does not become an institution that tolerates misconduct.
“Dr. Saraki has always defended the integrity of the legislative institution and will continue to advocate for what is right,” the statement concluded.
The controversy, which began with a dispute over Senate seat arrangements, escalated when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim he has strongly denied. The Senate later suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing violations of its rules.