LND weights in on Akpabio, Akpoti face off, Urges senate president to stepdown
The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has added its voice to the ongoing imbroglio rocking Nigeria’s apex legislative body, between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the senator representing Kogi central, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urging the Senate President to stepdown for a thorough and impartial investigation to hold.
A statement by the group’s image maker, Dr. Salihu Ladan said the Senate must use the opportunity to clean its name in the interest of democracy, accountability and rule of law.
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“The League of Northern Democrats (LND) is gravely concerned about the
unfolding controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on allegations of sexual misconduct,
counter-accusations and the legal action initiated by Akpabio’s wife. This
situation has transcended personal disputes and now directly affects the
credibility, stability and effectiveness of the Nigerian Senate – an institution
critical to national governance and democracy.
“2. This controversy exposes deep systemic issues within Nigeria’s governance framework, including abuse of power, gender-based discrimination, moral decadence and corruption. These challenges not only undermine public trust in democratic institutions but also citizens’ trust on those involved. Importantly also, they distract the senate from the urgent legislative priorities facing the nation. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with insecurity, economic hardship and widespread governance failures, it is unacceptable for the leadership of the senate to be embroiled in scandals that divert attention from national progress.
“3. LND reaffirms its belief that public office holders must uphold the highest
ethical standards in their conduct. Allegations of misconduct, particularly those bordering on abuse of office and sexual harassment, must be treated with utmost seriousness and investigated thoroughly. No individual, regardless of
their position, should be shielded from accountability. The Senate, as a national
institution, cannot afford to be seen as a place where power is used for personal
advantage rather than public service,” the statement noted.
Ladan added that in order to restore
public confidence and protect its institutional integrity, the Senate must come clean and constitute and independent investigation.
“An independent and transparent investigation into the allegations, led
by a neutral body such as the National Human Rights Commission
(NHRC) or a special parliamentary ethics committee.
“Stepping down of Akpabio as Senate President to allow for an unhindered investigation of the allegations. As the saying goes, Ceaser’s wife must be above suspicion;
“Public disclosure of findings and appropriate legal action based on the
outcome of the investigation;
“A firm commitment from the Senate leadership to uphold ethical
standards and prevent future abuses of power within the institution; and
“A national discourse on ethical governance to ensure that issues of
gender-based discrimination and abuse of office are addressed through
policy and legislative reforms.
“The Nigerian Senate must recognize that its primary responsibility is to serve
the people, not to be consumed by personal conflicts and scandals. LND calls on all senators to rise above partisan and personal interests to refocus on the urgent challenges facing the country. The credibility of the legislative institution is at stake, and the nation cannot afford a Senate that is distracted from its constitutional duties.
“LND will continue to advocate for ethical governance, accountability and the protection of democratic institutions. We urge all parties involved in this
controversy to act with restraint, respect due process and prioritize the national
interest over personal disputes. The Nigerian people deserve a Senate that is
focused on delivering good governance, not one entangled in moral and
political decadence,” the statement added.
