Akpabio Drops Defamation Suits in Dramatic Shift, Citing Religious Counsel
By [Your Publication’s Name] Staff | January 2, 2025
In a move that marks a significant de-escalation of Nigeria’s political tensions, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the withdrawal of all pending defamation lawsuits against fellow lawmakers and other individuals. The decision, announced publicly at a church service, follows nearly a year of intense legal and political warfare that had gripped the National Assembly.
A New Year’s Resolution Forged in Church
Akpabio revealed his change of heart during a New Year’s Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He stated that a priest’s sermon moved him to drop close to nine separate lawsuits he had filed against people he accused of defaming him.
“I had nearly nine cases in court against individuals who defamed me, spread lies about me, and tarnished my name,” Akpabio told the congregation. “But after listening to the priest, I suddenly felt he was speaking directly to me. I am therefore directing my legal counsel to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
Ending a High-Stakes Legal Feud
The most prominent case now being withdrawn is the ₦200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central). That lawsuit, filed in late 2025, stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which he vehemently denied and challenged her to prove in court.
The legal battle was multifaceted. Earlier in 2025, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, had also filed separate defamation suits against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over statements she claimed damaged the family’s reputation. The feud intensified after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of orchestrating her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, a move she linked directly to her allegations.
Analysis: Political Calculus or Personal Conviction?
Political analysts are scrutinizing the timing and motivation behind Akpabio’s decision. While framed as a personal, faith-driven act of reconciliation, the withdrawal has immediate political implications:
- Reduced Political Heat: The lawsuits had become a focal point for criticism, painting a picture of a Senate embroiled in personal conflicts. Ending them removes a significant distraction and potential reputational liability.
- Legislative Functionality: The bitter feud had threatened to paralyze legislative business and deepen partisan divides. This move could be seen as an attempt to foster a more cooperative atmosphere in the new year.
- Public Perception: By citing religious counsel, Akpabio taps into a powerful narrative of forgiveness and moral leadership, potentially rehabilitating his public image after a year of scandal.
“This is a classic case where a personal decision cannot be divorced from its political context,” noted Dr. Ibrahim Sani, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja. “Whether motivated primarily by faith or strategy, the effect is to lower the temperature in the Senate and allow the institution to refocus on its constitutional duties, away from the spectacle of mutual legal destruction.”
What Happens Next?
The formal withdrawal of the cases will require filing the necessary notices in court. It remains to be seen if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will reciprocate by dropping her own ₦100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others, which she filed in response to remarks she said harmed her reputation.
The broader question is whether this legal ceasefire will translate into a genuine political truce. The underlying allegations and the suspension that sparked the conflict remain unresolved, suggesting that while the courtroom battles may be over, the political rivalry may simply enter a new phase.
This report is based on information first reported by TheCitizen.