Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of corruption and habitual abuse of women during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The explosive allegations were made during an interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, a snippet of which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Abdulrasheed Shehu, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Media, on Tuesday.
Atiku’s Explosive Allegations
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, did not hold back when asked about Akpabio’s character.
“Not only was he corrupt, but he was also in the habit of abusing women,” Atiku declared during the interview.
His remarks have intensified scrutiny on Akpabio, whose tenure as Akwa Ibom governor (2007-2015) was marred by allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of power, and human rights violations.
Atiku’s public rebuke of Akpabio comes amid mounting concerns about the Senate President’s leadership and his controversial political dealings, particularly his handling of issues within the Senate.
Corruption Allegations Against Akpabio
Akpabio, who served as Governor of Akwa Ibom from 2007 to 2015, has long been accused of corruption. During his time in office, several reports linked him to misappropriation of state funds, contract inflation, and abuse of public resources.
Following his tenure as governor, he faced investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of embezzlement running into billions of naira. However, no formal charges were filed against him, fueling speculation that he used his political influence to evade prosecution.
Atiku’s fresh accusations have reignited debates about Akpabio’s financial dealings, with many demanding a renewed probe into his past governance.
Allegations of Abuse Against Women
Beyond corruption, Atiku also accused Akpabio of having a disturbing history of abusing women, though he did not provide specific details.
Over the years, there have been whispers of misconduct involving Akpabio, but no formal legal action has been taken against him. However, Atiku’s direct accusations have now brought the issue into the national spotlight.
Women’s rights activists have reacted strongly to Atiku’s claims, calling for an independent investigation into Akpabio’s past behavior.
“If these allegations are true, then it is a matter of serious concern that such a person holds one of the highest offices in the country,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, a human rights advocate.
Political Reactions and Fallout
Atiku’s accusations have sparked reactions across the political landscape, with some supporting his claims while others dismiss them as a political vendetta.
Supporters of Atiku
Supporters of Atiku, particularly within the PDP, have echoed his concerns. Many believe that Akpabio’s leadership as Senate President has been marked by favoritism, disregard for due process, and an allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) rather than national interests.
A PDP chieftain, who spoke anonymously, said:
“Atiku is speaking the truth. Akpabio’s history is well known, but because of political protection, he has always gotten away with it.”
Defenders of Akpabio
However, APC loyalists have dismissed Atiku’s comments as baseless and politically motivated. A senator from Akpabio’s camp, who also chose to remain anonymous, responded:
“Atiku is desperate for relevance after losing two consecutive presidential elections. He is simply trying to tarnish the reputation of a respected Senate President.”
Akpabio himself has not officially responded to the allegations, but sources close to him suggest he is considering legal action against Atiku for defamation of character.
Call for Investigations
Atiku’s claims have prompted calls from civil society organizations for a thorough investigation into Akpabio’s past governance and personal conduct.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to revisit past corruption allegations against Akpabio and ensure that justice is served.
Similarly, women’s rights groups have urged authorities to probe the allegations of abuse, stressing the need to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
What This Means for Nigerian Politics
This latest development has further deepened divisions within the political elite and could shape future elections, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Atiku remains one of the strongest opposition figures in Nigeria, and his attack on Akpabio could signal the beginning of a wider political battle between the PDP and APC in the coming years.
Moreover, the allegations against Akpabio could damage the credibility of the Senate if left unaddressed, as many Nigerians have already expressed concerns about corruption within the legislature.
Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar’s bold allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio have sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape. With claims of corruption and abuse of women now in the spotlight, the question remains: Will these accusations be properly investigated, or will they be swept under the rug like many other political scandals in Nigeria?
For now, Nigerians are watching closely, waiting to see whether justice will prevail or if political influence will once again shield those in power from accountability.
