Senate President Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits After New Year Homily

In a surprising display of reconciliation at the dawn of 2026, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed his legal team to withdraw all pending lawsuits against individuals who he accused of defamation, slander, and falsehoods. The announcement came during a New Year church service at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where Akpabio’s home state lies. Deeply moved by the homily centered on “letting go of the painful past for peace to reign,” Akpabio described the priest’s words as a personal message that prompted immediate action.

“I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me,” Akpabio stated in a public declaration titled “Touched by the New Year Homily, I Have Forgiven All.” He revealed that he had nearly nine cases in various courts targeting those who “defamed me, lied against me, and slandered my name.” While he did not name specific defendants, the move directly addresses high-profile litigation, including a N2 billion defamation suit filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) in June 2024. Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment on the Senate floor, a claim that sparked outrage and legal backlash.

The lawsuit stemmed from a heated Senate exchange on June 4, 2024, when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged Akpabio made unwanted advances, including sending her gifts and pressuring her for a relationship. Akpabio denied the allegations vehemently, labeling them “baseless, malicious, and satanic,” and pursued damages for harm to his reputation. Court records from the Federal Capital Territory High Court show the case (FCT/HC/CV/1004/2024) remains active as of late 2025, alongside other suits against media outlets and individuals over similar claims.

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Akpabio’s decision aligns with broader themes of national unity emphasized in his New Year message to Nigerians on January 1, 2026, where he urged forgiveness and progress amid economic challenges. Sources close to the Senate President confirmed to reporters that instructions have been issued to solicitors, with withdrawals expected imminently. This gesture could ease tensions within the Red Chamber, where Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension earlier in 2024 had fueled partisan divides.

Political analysts view the move as strategic magnanimity, potentially burnishing Akpabio’s image ahead of the 2027 elections. “In a polarized political landscape, forgiveness can be a powerful tool for leadership,” noted Dr. Emmanuel Matsilele, a political scientist at the University of Abuja. No immediate response was available from Akpoti-Uduaghan, though her allies have historically dismissed the suits as attempts to silence dissent.

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, present at the service, praised Akpabio’s resolve, calling it “a testament to God-fearing leadership.” As Nigeria navigates insecurity and economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, such personal olive branches may signal a push for harmony in governance.