The All Progressives Congress, Media Network has tackled the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar over claims that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio is “corrupt and has the propensity to abuse women.”
Atiku was said to have made the comments in reactions to sexual harassment allegation leveled against Akpabio by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as well as the quick approval of state of emergency in Rivers State by the National Assembly as proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
However, the group in a statement by the Director General, Otuekong Iniobong John on Thursday, described Atiku’s statements as reckless and unbecoming of a public figure of his level adding that he (Atiku) does not have the moral standing to accuse someone of corruption considering his “bleak antecedents.”
John emphasized that Akpabio throughout his political career consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and integrity in public service adding that his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State was marked by exemplary leadership, visionary policies, and tangible development projects that have endured long after he left office.
He, therefore dismissed Atiku’s comments as “baseless and politically motivated,” saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised for re-election for a second term.
According to the statement, “Historically, Atiku Abubakar is recognized as the most corrupt politician in Nigeria. During his tenure as vice president, he abused his office to fraudulently acquire numerous national assets. These allegations have been affirmed by his former principal, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has categorically stated that Atiku is too corrupt to be entrusted with any public office in our nation.
“In his autobiography, “My Watch” former President Olusegun Obasanjo dedicates several chapters to detailing how Atiku Abubakar misused his position to illegally acquire national assets. This illustrates not only a history of corruption but also a fundamental lack of character.
“Former President Obasanjo has repeatedly expressed regret for choosing Atiku as his running mate during his presidency, emphasizing that Atiku Abubakar is a shameless and blatant liar who should not be trusted by anyone in any capacity.
“It is clear that someone with such a tarnished reputation lacks the moral standing to accuse others of corruption. Atiku Abubakar’s reckless remarks about Senator Godswill Akpabio reflect a level of mischief, malice, and political opportunism taken too far.
“The recent allegations made by suspended Senator Akpoti Natasha against Senator Godswill Akpabio have been thoroughly discredited due to her lack of evidence and clear political motivations. It’s shocking that despite her reputation as a content creator and serial blackmailer, Atiku Abubakar would still choose to amplify her baseless claims.
“Atiku Abubakar’s decision to sponsor Senator Akpoti Natasha’s trip to the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in New York, where she proceeded to tarnish Nigeria’s image, raises serious questions about his judgment and motives. It’s clear that Atiku Abubakar is more interested in exploiting political situations for personal gain than in upholding the truth.
“It is particularly embarrassing that a former Vice President would stoop so low as to make unsubstantiated claims about public figures, purely for political gain. The insinuation that Senator Akpabio has a history of abusing women is petty and cheap, showing Atiku Abubakar’s attempt to exploit politics for personal gain.
“Atiku Abubakar’s desperate ambition for the presidency leads him to make outlandish statements, undermining his prospects. However, we wish to tell him that his inordinate ambition is “dead on arrival” as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised for re-election for a second term.
“It’s indeed ironic that Atiku Abubakar, who has a history of marrying multiple women, including minors, and allegedly keeping hundreds of concubines worldwide, is the one accusing Senator Godswill Akpabio of abusing women. Atiku Abubakar’s own marital history is quite extensive, having been married six times and divorced twice, with four wives currently.
“Atiku Abubakar’s track record of using his insatiable greed and presidential ambition to fuel crisis in political parties is alarming. The prolonged crisis that has plagued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 2022 is a stark reminder of the chaos he can cause. His selfish ambitions have led to divisions and conflicts within the party, ultimately weakening its chances of success.
“Now, it appears he’s at it again, gathering disgruntled politicians to launch yet another doomed presidential bid in 2027. This pattern of behavior demonstrates a clear lack of regard for the well-being of political parties and the nation as a whole, as he prioritizes his own interests above all else.”
