•••Called for the arrest of ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Mohammad-Baba
By Matthias Ogbagah
DELTA – IRKED by alleged sexual harassment, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has alleged that the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio are part of a larger political conspiracy aimed at removing him from office.
PANDEF through its National Publicity Security, Olorogun Christopher Obiuwevbi Ominimini claims that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has revealed the true intent behind the allegations.
The group argued that it is a a calculative attempt and strategic move to weaken Southern Nigeria’s political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, PANDEF expressed disappointment in the ACF, accusing it of acting as a political tool for certain northern politicians.
The group condemned the ACF’s remarks, stating that its press release was designed to incite Northern Nigeria against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a bid to shift political power back to the North in 2027.
According to PANDEF, ACF’s statement that citizens are being overwhelmed by economic hardships exposes their real agenda. The group insists that the South is entitled to produce Nigeria’s next president, following two consecutive northern-led administrations under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Furthermore, PANDEF criticized ACF for attempting to politicize Senate proceedings. They argued that suspensions and disciplinary measures within the Senate are common and not regionally biased. As evidence, they cited the suspension of a senator from the South-South during the 8th Assembly under a northern Senate President, an event that did not provoke regional outcry from PANDEF at the time.
The South-South group went further to call for the arrest of ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Mohammad-Baba, alleging that his comments posed a threat to national unity. PANDEF accused the ACF of attempting to stoke division by falsely claiming that there is an “anti-Arewa agenda” in Nigerian politics.
Calling the allegations against Akpabio a “dead on arrival” political attack, PANDEF reaffirmed its support for the Senate President, urging him to remain steadfast. The group also announced plans for an emergency meeting to discuss the unfolding political developments.
With tensions rising over this latest controversy, Nigeria’s political landscape continues to reflect deep regional rivalries as the race for 2027 intensifies.
