In a surprising turn of events, the plot to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a new twist, with over 10 former governors in the upper chamber and a coalition of civic organizations now calling for his impeachment.

Pro-Akpabio senators have reportedly embarked on a mission to mediate with their colleagues, and there are murmurs that they are considering involving the Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje-led All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) in the matter. An APC official stated, “The party is just reading a lot of things, but we have heard that some senators are thinking of meeting with our NWC to help resolve the issue.” However, the party has not received official information regarding Akpabio’s situation.

The Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy (CPD) has also entered the fray, demanding that the Senate President step down. CPD reacted to claims from Senator Akpabio’s office that “one South-South Governor” was behind the impeachment threat and advised Akpabio to cease pointing fingers and instead address the reasons behind his colleagues’ desire for his removal.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Dr. Menike Johnson, CPD accused Senator Akpabio of attempting to create tension by shifting blame, while his colleagues had cited his “failure to fit into the duties of a Presiding Officer and provide transparent and credible leadership” as the grounds for their action.

CPD emphasized that Akpabio should address the serious allegations raised by his colleagues, including lack of transparency, violations of Senate procedures, and concerns about his leadership’s integrity and financial matters. The coalition stated that blaming external individuals only adds to the turmoil and does not answer the critical questions regarding leadership failure.

In conclusion, CPD urged Senator Akpabio to step down as Senate President, given his loss of favor with colleagues and the pressing need for stable and loyal leadership in a critical time for the nation. Nigerians, they argued, cannot afford a Senate plagued by unstable leadership.

Credit: Imran Muhammad/X