A coalition of civil society groups led by Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW) has sounded the alarm over an alleged scheme aimed at discrediting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and destabilising Nigeria’s democratic framework.

In a statement released Thursday and signed by NIW’s National Convener, Dr. John Nangi, the group claimed it uncovered a calculated campaign involving fake sexual harassment accusations and the spread of false narratives targeting the Senate leader.

According to the release, a group of women have reportedly been lodged in a high-end hotel in Lagos where they are allegedly being instructed by individuals described as professional blackmailers.

The women are said to be preparing to accuse Akpabio of sexual misconduct as part of a broader defamation strategy.

The coalition also pointed fingers at a senior figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration and a previously disgraced former senator as masterminds behind the alleged smear campaign.

NIW warned that the operation includes the mobilisation of digital influencers, bloggers, and social media content creators to amplify misleading information and erode confidence in both Akpabio and the legislative arm of government.

“This coordinated effort goes beyond personal character assassination,” Dr. Nangi said. “It threatens the very fabric of our democratic institutions and the stability of governance in the country.”

The organisation called on major security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to act swiftly in investigating and preventing the alleged plot.

NIW stressed that the fallout from such a conspiracy could deepen public distrust in political leadership and worsen tensions within Nigeria’s already fragile political atmosphere.

“The nation must not allow its democratic processes to be hijacked through orchestrated deception,” the statement read. “It is the duty of both state institutions and citizens to protect the sanctity of truth and accountability in public service.”

As developments unfold, the group urged media organisations and civil society to remain alert and pursue factual reporting, emphasizing that preserving transparency is critical to sustaining public confidence in democratic governance.