CAN Opposes Akpabio’s Resignation Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

PANDEF Condemns Politicization of Allegations

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has firmly opposed demands for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has criticized the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), accusing it of politicizing the controversy.

CAN Calls for Mediation, Rejects Premature Resignation Demands

Speaking on behalf of CAN in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab described the dispute as “regrettable and embarrassing.” He urged respected national elders to intervene to uphold the credibility of the National Assembly.

“There is an urgent need for mediation. Akpabio and Natasha both have figures they hold in high regard. It is crucial that members of the National Assembly take responsibility in managing this issue professionally,” CAN stated during a media session in Kaduna.

The religious body dismissed calls for Akpabio’s resignation, describing them as unwarranted and lacking merit due to the absence of concrete evidence against him.

“Groups demanding Akpabio’s resignation should reconsider, as no conclusive proof has been established against him. It is essential to address sexual harassment allegations with seriousness but also fairness and impartiality,” CAN emphasized.

CAN further urged media organizations to exercise caution in their reportage, warning that sensationalism could deepen national divisions along gender and regional lines. Additionally, the association advised political actors to remain focused on governance, highlighting the importance of the timely passage of the 2025 national budget.

PANDEF Criticizes ACF for Politicizing the Allegations

In a separate statement, PANDEF strongly criticized the ACF, accusing it of leveraging the allegations for political purposes aimed at discrediting Southern leaders and positioning Northern Nigeria for the 2027 elections.

PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, condemned the ACF’s claims of bias against Northern senators, asserting that they were intended to stoke regional tensions and weaken President Bola Tinubu’s government.

“The ACF’s press release is a direct political attack on Southern Nigeria. Their assertion that only Northern senators are being suspended, and their call for Northern senators to unite against perceived bias, is an outright threat to national unity,” Ominimini stated.

He recalled that during the 8th Senate, a Southern senator was suspended under a Northern Senate President, yet PANDEF refrained from interfering in legislative matters.

“The Senate operates by a set of rules and procedures. Suspensions and disciplinary actions are standard legislative processes. Any aggrieved party has legal options to challenge decisions. However, the ACF’s actions amount to a divisive maneuver that threatens national stability,” PANDEF declared.

The group further rejected what it termed an attempt to promote an “anti-Arewa” narrative and called on security agencies to interrogate ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, over comments it considered inciting.

With CAN advocating for restraint and PANDEF opposing political interference, the allegations against Akpabio continue to fuel national discourse, raising concerns about governance, unity, and political maneuvering within the legislature.

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