Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After New Year Sermon

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered the withdrawal of all defamation lawsuits filed against individuals who had allegedly made damaging claims about him, describing the decision as a personal resolution inspired by a New Year sermon.

Akpabio made this known on Thursday while speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a New Year Mass. He revealed that he had instituted nearly nine defamation cases against various persons over what he described as falsehoods and slander against his name.

According to him, the message delivered by the priest during the service struck a chord with him and prompted a moment of deep reflection.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me and slandered my name,” the Senate President said. “But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised he was speaking directly to me. I have therefore directed my lawyers to withdraw all the cases.”

Akpabio’s decision brings to an end a series of high-profile legal battles that dominated public discourse throughout 2025. Among the suits was a N200bn defamation case filed against a fellow senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio had denied and challenged her to prove in court.

Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife had also approached the courts with defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, claiming that certain allegations had caused reputational damage to her family.

The relationship between both lawmakers deteriorated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of playing a role in her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, an action that followed her public allegations of misconduct. She had also filed a separate N100bn defamation suit against Akpabio and other parties over statements she said harmed her reputation.

With the latest directive, Akpabio has formally discontinued all pending defamation-related litigations, signalling a desire to turn a new page and begin the year without legal hostilities.