The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed calls for Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s resignation following allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement, the association, represented by its chairman for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab, described the controversy as regrettable and called for dialogue among national elders to prevent further damage to the integrity of the National Assembly.

“There is a need for respected elders to intervene. Both Akpabio and Natasha have individuals they hold in high regard who can mediate. Members of the National Assembly must handle this matter responsibly,” CAN stated during a media briefing in Kaduna.

According to reports from Vanguard Newspaper on Wednesday, the religious body firmly opposed demands for Akpabio’s resignation, arguing that such calls were premature and unfair, given that no concrete evidence had been presented against him.

“Calling for Akpabio’s resignation at this stage is inappropriate, as no verdict has been reached. Allegations of sexual harassment must be handled with seriousness, but also with fairness and caution,” CAN emphasized.

Furthermore, CAN urged the media to exercise restraint in reporting the issue, warning that sensationalism could inflame tensions along gender and regional lines. The organization also called on political leaders to focus on governance, stressing that passing the 2025 national budget should be lawmakers’ top priority.

Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) of using the allegations to pursue a political agenda aimed at undermining Southern leaders and influencing the 2027 presidential elections.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF criticized the ACF’s stance, describing it as an attempt to stoke regional tensions and destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“The ACF’s claims of bias against Northern senators are misleading and divisive. Their statement is a deliberate effort to create regional animosity,” Ominimini stated.

He also pointed out that during the 8th Assembly, a Southern senator faced suspension under a Northern Senate President, yet PANDEF did not interfere in legislative proceedings.

“The Senate operates under established rules. Disciplinary actions, including suspensions, have always been part of legislative processes. Anyone who feels wronged can seek legal remedies. The ACF’s comments are an attempt to sow discord and should be condemned,” the statement added.

PANDEF also expressed concern over what it described as an attempt to fabricate an “anti-Arewa” narrative. The group called on security agencies to investigate ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, for making statements that could incite conflict.
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Akpabio stand gidigba. Saraki, ACF has turned it into South vs North. The Senate election has come & gone but it seems some people can still not move on. That Senate seat dey enter eyes.
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