Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he has directed his lawyers to withdraw all defamation suits he instituted against several individuals, citing a personal decision inspired by a New Year church sermon.
Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a Mass where he joined other worshippers to mark the beginning of the year.
He revealed that he had nearly nine active cases in court against people he accused of defamation, including those who, according to him, “lied against me” and “slandered my name.”
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” he told the congregation.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
The decision marks a significant de-escalation in a series of high-profile legal battles Akpabio initiated in 2025, some of which involved fellow lawmakers.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a ₦200 billion defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), after she accused him of sexual harassment and of influencing her suspension from the Senate earlier in the year. He strongly denied the allegations and had vowed to challenge her claims in court.
Akpabio’s wife also instituted separate defamation actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that statements made about the family had severely damaged their reputation. The dispute deepened tensions between both senators and became a flashpoint in wider debates about conduct in the National Assembly and the use of defamation suits by powerful politicians.
By publicly ordering the withdrawal of all pending defamation cases, Akpabio appears to be seeking a reset in his personal and political relationships at the start of the new year, framing the move as an act of forgiveness and introspection prompted by religious conviction.
The Senate President did not provide further details on whether he would seek out-of-court reconciliations with those he previously sued, or whether any counterclaims and related matters would also be discontinued.
Legal observers say the decision could ease political tension around ongoing disputes but note that it does not address the underlying allegations that triggered the clashes, particularly those involving alleged misconduct in the Senate.
For now, however, Akpabio’s announcement effectively brings his defamation battles to a formal close, signaling what he appears to intend as a fresh start to the political year.
