CurrentReport Blog The Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals (IK-PRO), a group allied with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over allegations he made against Akpabio. Atiku had accused the Senate President of corruption and a history of abusing women, which, according to the group, was a deliberate attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku’s remarks came in response to the sexual harassment allegations levied against Akpabio by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In his statement, Atiku claimed that Akpabio, during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, had a history of abusing women and was involved in corrupt activities. Atiku also pointed to Akpabio’s role in the quick approval of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu as further evidence of his alleged corrupt practices.
However, the IK-PRO group, in a statement signed by Edidiong John, National President, and Barr. Kemfon Neke, National Secretary, condemned these allegations, calling them “baseless” and an attempt to score political points ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group argued that Atiku had failed to provide any specific evidence or verifiable incidents to support his claims, making his accusations mere “reckless falsehoods.”
In their statement, IK-PRO expressed surprise that Atiku, who has his own checkered political history, would make such accusations. They pointed to President Olusegun Obasanjo’s critical remarks about Atiku in his book My Watch, Volume 2. Obasanjo, Atiku’s former boss, described him as having “a propensity for corruption,” a “lack of transparency,” and “a tendency to disloyalty,” among other moral failings. According to IK-PRO, these revelations cast doubt on Atiku’s credibility, especially regarding issues of corruption.
“Given such an unflattering verdict from one who had the closest view of Atiku Abubakar’s tenure, it is preposterous for him to pontificate about corruption in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world,” the group’s statement read. They further stated that Atiku’s attacks were politically motivated, aiming to discredit Akpabio as part of a larger strategy for the 2027 elections.
The statement also addressed the allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. IK-PRO criticized these accusations as part of a broader political agenda to undermine the Senate President’s reputation. They emphasized that Akpabio had not been convicted of any crime or faced any charges, and that the allegations were unfounded.
IK-PRO also responded to Atiku’s criticism of the National Assembly’s decision to support President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Atiku had singled out Akpabio for blame, but the group noted that the resolution had received overwhelming support across party lines, including from the Speaker of the House of Representatives. IK-PRO accused Atiku of selective outrage, pointing out that he had not directed similar criticism at the Speaker, who is also a northerner.
The group concluded its statement by reiterating that the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s administration through the passage of key legislation and providing effective oversight. They emphasized that the Senate’s focus remains on advancing national development and improving the well-being of Nigerians, despite the politically motivated distractions aimed at discrediting their leader.
IK-PRO’s response to Atiku Abubakar’s accusations underscores the ongoing political rivalry between leading Nigerian politicians as the 2027 elections approach. With claims of corruption, abuse, and political maneuvering flying across the political spectrum, the stage is set for a contentious battle as politicians seek to sway public opinion and position themselves for the future.
