posted 9th March 2025
Saraki Responds to Akpabio Over Senate Leadership Claims
Abuja, 9 March 2025 – Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has addressed comments made by Senator Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President, urging him to refrain from misrepresenting a recent speech. Saraki clarified that he has not called for Akpabio’s resignation, contrary to suggestions reportedly made by the latter.
In a statement released by Yusuph Olaniyonu, head of Saraki’s media office, the former Senate leader encouraged Akpabio to revisit the speech delivered on 1 March 2025. Olaniyonu emphasised that nowhere in the address did Saraki demand Akpabio step down from his position. “Akpabio is just advised to do what is necessary to protect the integrity of the parliament and ensure that there is no other rumour in investigating the allegations against him,” the statement read.
The response comes amid reports that Akpabio had claimed individuals from Adamawa and Kwara, including Saraki, were pushing for his removal due to his Niger Delta origins. Saraki’s office dismissed these assertions as an attempt to politicise the matter. “Saraki is not usually concerned with these kinds of talks, but we understand Akpabio is trying to politicise the speech,” Olaniyonu noted, adding that the intention was to uphold “the dignity of the Senate, a dignified place.”
Saraki’s original speech, according to the statement, focused on the need for transparency and fairness in addressing allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. While not commenting on the validity of her claims, Saraki stressed that such matters should be investigated openly to safeguard the Senate’s reputation. “Dr. Saraki has come out and said he did not say Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations were false,” the statement clarified. Instead, he urged the Senate leadership to handle the situation responsibly, without bias, to avoid perceptions of shielding misconduct.
The former Senate President underscored that existing constitutional laws provide a framework for addressing such accusations. He reiterated his belief that the legislature must protect its integrity, stating, “Those legislators were made to protect the parliament.” Saraki distanced himself from any partisan angle, noting that his stance was unrelated to Akpabio’s affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or his own membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Regional differences, he added, were irrelevant to the matter. “This is not a statement that Akpabio will come up with about ethnicity, political or regional differences. Just face the truth and do what is right,” the statement asserted.
Highlighting broader societal concerns, Saraki pointed to the prevalence of allegations involving assault, gender discrimination, and harassment, particularly against women. He described the situation as an opportunity for the Senate to demonstrate accountability and ensure justice. “If investigations are done, it will increase confidence in our National Assembly,” Olaniyonu quoted him as saying.
Saraki, who has long championed the Senate’s dignity during his tenure, concluded by expressing his commitment to speaking out on matters of justice. The statement ended with a prayer: “May God help the parliament and Nigeria as one.”
