Atiku Abubakar accuses Senator Godswill Akpabio of abusing women

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the leadership of the National Assembly of corruption, citing its approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Atiku made this claim during an interview with journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie on the program Untold Stories. A portion of the interview was shared on Instagram, with the full version set to air on Wednesday.

Commenting on the National Assembly’s decision, Atiku stated, “I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt, and I have no apologies for that. They could do anything. The Senate President is known for such behavior, even during his tenure as governor.”

The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate also reaffirmed that he had no regrets about not selecting the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as his running mate.

He expressed support for a possible political coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, stating his willingness to back any credible candidate that emerges from such an alliance.

“We had a similar merger in 2014, where several candidates contested for the presidency. One emerged, and we all supported him. I have never seen Nigeria in greater need of experienced and credible leadership than now,” he said.

Regarding allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor, Atiku added, “Not only was he corrupt, but he also had a history of abusing women.”

Interview Excerpts

Q: Do you regret not choosing Wike as your running mate?

A: No. Not at all.

Q: Were there reports of corruption against Godswill Akpabio when he was governor?

A: Yes. Not only was he corrupt, but he also had a history of abusing women.

Q: Who do you think will lead the coalition, and will you run for president again?

A: In 2014, we had a similar merger, with several candidates contesting. One emerged, and we all supported him. Nigeria has never been in greater need of credible leadership than now.

Q: Were you surprised by how easily the National Assembly approved the state of emergency?

A: No. The leadership is corrupt, and I have no apologies for saying that. They could do anything. The Senate President is known for such behavior, even as a governor.