Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered the withdrawal of all pending defamation lawsuits he instituted against several individuals, saying a sermon delivered during a New Year Mass prompted his decision.
Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday while addressing worshippers at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He disclosed that he had filed close to nine defamation cases against individuals he accused of lying and making damaging allegations against him.
According to him, the priest’s message during the service struck a personal chord, leading him to reconsider his actions.
“I had almost nine cases in court against people who defamed me, lied against me and slandered my name, Akpabio said.
But as I listened to the priest, I realised he was speaking directly to me. I have therefore directed my lawyers to withdraw all the lawsuits.”
In 2025, the Senate President initiated several high-profile legal actions, including suits against fellow lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. One of the cases was a ₦200 billion defamation suit filed in late 2025 over allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio denied and asked her to prove in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed separate defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that certain claims had caused reputational harm to their family.
The relationship between both senators deteriorated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
She subsequently challenged the suspension in court and filed a ₦100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others over statements she claimed damaged her reputation.
With the latest directive, Akpabio has effectively brought an end to all ongoing defamation-related legal disputes, signaling a move toward reconciliation as the new year begins.
