The lawmaker stated that it would amount to injustice if she was not allowed to resume her legislative duties because the matter was pending in court.
The INEC said the petition did not meet stipulated requirements.
Mrs Akpoti-Oduaghan alleged that Mr Akpabio contracted the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to commence her recall and assassination.
Mr Abubakar said, “I was not surprised because the leadership is corrupt.’’
They described it as a calculated effort to undermine Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s credibility.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents,” said Ms
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan had in an interview with ARISE TV accused Mr Akpabio of sexual harassment.
In a statement on Friday, Mr Abubakar described the allegations as grave.
She accused Mr Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her during a visit to his country home in Akwa Ibom, recounting that the incident took place a day before her birthday.
But in other parts of the district, voters complained about widespread violence and vote-rigging, forcing the electoral office INEC to cancel votes at some polling stations.
