Senate President Godswill Akpabio Addresses Alleged Plot to Oust Him from Office

On March 10, 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio broke his silence regarding rumors of a plot to remove him from his position as the leader of Nigeria’s 10th Senate. Speaking to youth leaders from various ethnic groups at the Senate Guest House in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday, March 7, 2025, Akpabio dismissed claims of an orchestrated effort to unseat him, attributing such speculations to political opposition from certain individuals in Adamawa and Kwara states. This development comes amid heightened political tensions in Nigeria, with the Senate playing a pivotal role in shaping national policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. This article explores Akpabio’s response, the context of the alleged plot, and its implications for Nigeria’s legislative and political landscape, optimized for readers seeking the latest updates on this unfolding story.

Akpabio’s Response: A Defiant Stance

During his address to the youth leaders, Akpabio asserted that there are individuals in Adamawa and Kwara states actively working to undermine his leadership. While he refrained from naming specific individuals, the context suggests potential links to prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from Adamawa and former Senate President Bukola Saraki from Kwara. These figures have previously been associated with calls for Akpabio’s resignation, particularly following the controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in early 2025. Akpabio emphasized that such efforts are driven by political opposition rather than genuine grievances, accusing detractors of ignoring Senate rules to fuel their agenda.

The Senate President underscored the significance of his role, noting that it represents not just his personal mandate but the aspirations of the Niger Delta region, which had not held the Senate Presidency for over 46 years until his election in June 2023. “The first time the Niger Delta had a Senate President was 46 years ago. Whatever the opposition may do, we will not treat that office lightly,” Akpabio declared. He urged his supporters to remain steadfast, framing the alleged plot as a challenge to the region’s representation at the national level.

Context: The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Controversy

The rumors of a plot to remove Akpabio gained traction earlier in 2025, following a high-profile dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central. In February 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made inappropriate advances toward her and retaliated against her refusal by obstructing her contributions in the Senate. The allegations led to her suspension for six months by the Senate’s Ethics Committee in March 2025, a decision that Akpabio claimed was unanimous among senators. However, the incident sparked widespread debate, with some calling for an independent investigation and others, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), labeling it a politically motivated attack to destabilize Akpabio and President Tinubu’s administration.

Akpabio addressed this controversy during his speech, arguing that many critics misunderstand the Senate’s standing rules, which every senator receives upon entry. He clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a collective decision and not a personal vendetta, emphasizing that the Senate operates independently of external pressures and judicial interference. This stance has fueled speculation about internal divisions within the Senate and external political forces seeking to exploit the situation.

Political Implications: A Test of Stability

The alleged plot to remove Akpabio highlights the fragility of leadership positions within Nigeria’s National Assembly. Since 1999, Senate Presidents from southern Nigeria have frequently faced impeachment threats or removals, while their northern counterparts have generally served out their terms. Akpabio, representing Akwa Ibom North-West, won the Senate Presidency with 63 votes against Abdulaziz Yari’s 46 in June 2023, a relatively narrow margin that underscores the competitive nature of the position. The current rumors suggest that some senators and external actors may be seeking to capitalize on perceived vulnerabilities in his leadership.

The broader political context involves the ongoing rivalry between southern and northern political elites, as well as tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). PANDEF has alleged that the attacks on Akpabio are part of a northern agenda to weaken President Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections. Akpabio’s close alignment with Tinubu, evident in his support for the administration’s policies, may also make him a target for opposition forces seeking to disrupt the APC’s cohesion.

Public and Regional Reactions

Akpabio’s remarks have elicited varied responses. In the Niger Delta, his supporters view the alleged plot as an affront to the region’s representation, rallying behind him as a symbol of regional pride. Youth groups and socio-political organizations like PANDEF have pledged their support, urging Akpabio to remain resolute. Conversely, critics, including some civil society groups and opposition figures, argue that the Senate President’s leadership style—marked by controversial statements and perceived heavy-handedness—has alienated colleagues and fueled discontent.

The controversy has also reignited debates about gender dynamics and accountability in Nigerian politics, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations highlighting broader issues of women’s treatment in public office. While Akpabio has denied these claims, citing his record as a “gender-friendly governor” during his tenure in Akwa Ibom, the incident has cast a shadow over his leadership and raised questions about the Senate’s credibility.

Looking Ahead: Stability or Stalemate?

As of March 10, 2025, Akpabio’s position appears secure, with the Senate passing a vote of confidence in him in October 2024 following earlier impeachment rumors. However, the persistence of such allegations suggests underlying tensions that could resurface. To maintain his leadership, Akpabio will need to navigate internal Senate dynamics, strengthen alliances within the APC, and address public perceptions of his tenure.

For President Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio’s stability is crucial for advancing legislative priorities, such as economic reforms and security measures. Any disruption in the Senate could hinder these efforts, making the resolution of this conflict a national priority. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the interplay between regional interests, party loyalty, and personal ambitions will continue to shape the political landscape.

Conclusion

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s response to the alleged plot to remove him underscores the high stakes of his position and the complex political currents in Nigeria. By framing the rumors as opposition-driven and emphasizing his regional mandate, Akpabio has sought to rally support and dispel doubts about his leadership. However, the underlying tensions—fueled by controversies, regional rivalries, and party dynamics—suggest that his tenure will remain under scrutiny.

For those following Nigerian politics, Akpabio’s situation offers a window into the challenges of maintaining stability in a diverse and competitive legislative environment. Whether he can weather ts storm and solidify his legacy as Senate President will depend on his ability to bridge divides, uphold transparency, and deliver on the expectations of his constituents and the nation.