Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the withdrawal of all ongoing defamation lawsuits filed in his name, saying the decision followed personal reflection during a New Year Mass.
Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday while speaking at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said he was deeply moved by the priest’s sermon, which prompted him to reconsider his legal actions against individuals he accused of damaging his reputation.
According to the Senate President, he had instituted nearly nine defamation suits against various individuals over allegations he described as false and injurious.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, and who slandered my name,” Akpabio said. “But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was speaking directly to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all the lawsuits against them.”
Throughout 2025, Akpabio was involved in several high-profile legal battles, including defamation suits against fellow lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. One of the cases involved a N200 billion claim filed in late 2025 over allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio denied, and he challenged her to prove in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also initiated defamation proceedings against Akpoti Uduaghan, citing statements she said harmed the family’s reputation.
Tensions between both lawmakers escalated after Akpoti Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct. She had also filed a separate N100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others over remarks she claimed damaged her standing.
With the latest announcement, Akpabio has formally brought an end to all pending defamation-related cases involving him, marking a significant turn toward reconciliation and closure at the start of the new year.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
