ADC Slams Akpabio for Insensitive Suicide Remarks

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his "seven virgins" remark made during a Senate plenary on October 13, 2026, while discussing the National Suicide Prevention Bill. The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized Akpabio's comments as insensitive and inappropriate for a discussion on mental health.

They argued that his support for imprisonment as a punishment for failed suicide attempts was misguided, urging lawmakers to approach the issue as a mental health concern rather than a criminal offense. The ADC described the criminalization of attempted suicide as a colonial-era legacy that should be abolished, emphasizing that individuals who survive suicide attempts need support and mental healthcare, not threats of prosecution.

The party expressed disappointment that Akpabio chose to preserve punitive measures instead of advocating for reform, warning that such an approach could discourage vulnerable individuals from seeking help.