The Pan Niger Delta Elders’ Forum has accused the Arewa Consultative Forum of exploiting the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a political tool to weaken Southern Nigeria’s influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiuwevbi Ominimini, expressed disappointment in the ACF, stating that its comments were part of a broader political agenda aimed at inciting Northern Nigeria against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ominimini said, “This political calculation targeted against the Senate president through this well-orchestrated sexual harassment accusation is nothing but a political gimmick to fight back against the South-South geopolitical zone, the breadwinner of Nigeria, and the entire Southern Nigeria.”
He further emphasized that the South has the right to produce Nigeria’s next president, following two consecutive Northern-led administrations under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, the ACF called for a thorough investigation into the allegations, pointing to the potential damage to the Senate’s reputation. ACF spokesperson Tukur Muhammad-Baba stated, “The public image of the leadership of the 10th Senate is now less than inspiring.”
In response, PANDEF dismissed the ACF’s stance, arguing that disciplinary actions within the Senate are not regionally biased. Ominimini pointed out that Southern senators have faced suspensions in the past without triggering similar regional backlash.
PANDEF went further to call for the arrest of the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, accusing him of threatening national unity by suggesting there was an “anti-Arewa agenda” at play.
Ominimini questioned, “It is very strange and sad to hear the ACF claim that there is an anti-Arewa agenda in Nigerian politics. Where is this coming from — Southern Nigeria or within Arewa?”
He also urged Akpabio to remain firm, assuring that the South-South and the entire Southern Nigeria stand solidly behind him.
Ominimini added, “PANDEF calls on the Senate President to remain resolute and be confident that we, his people, shall do all good things possible to rally around him in the face of this calculated political attack on his office and person.”
The allegations against Akpabio, made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have sparked a heated national debate, with PANDEF and ACF representing opposing regional perspectives. While PANDEF views the allegations as a politically motivated attack on Southern leadership, the ACF has called for transparency and accountability in addressing the issue.
The controversy highlights the deepening regional tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape, raising concerns about unity and governance as the nation approaches the 2027 elections.