Senate President Godswill Akpabio has withdrawn all pending defamation suits he had filed against several individuals, saying a sermon he heard during a New Year Mass prompted him to call off the litigations.
Akpabio withdraws defamation suits after New Year Mass
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio said he had almost nine defamation cases in court against people he accused of lying about and slandering him. He told parishioners that the priest’s homily led to personal reflection and to his decision to discontinue the legal actions.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” the Senate President said. “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 move brings a public close to a series of high-profile legal disputes that attracted national attention in 2025. Among the suits was a N200 billion defamation claim Akpabio filed against fellow senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which followed allegations of sexual harassment that Akpabio has denied and challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan to prove in court. Akpabio’s wife also filed separate defamation actions against the senator earlier in the year.
Relations between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan deteriorated after she accused the Senate President of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025 following her public allegations of misconduct. Those exchanges contributed to a tense political atmosphere between the lawmakers and drew media scrutiny.
Legal advisers for Akpabio are expected to proceed with formal withdrawals at the relevant courts. Legal experts say withdrawing suits that have already been filed generally requires formal applications to the court and may involve settling ancillary issues such as costs or consent of parties where appropriate.
Analysts noted the political calculus behind the decision. Withdrawing the cases reduces the immediate legal confrontation and may help defuse a source of friction within the Senate. It may also be seen as a gesture that prioritises reconciliation over prolonged legal battles as the country begins the year.
Observers pointed out that while the withdrawals close one chapter, the underlying disagreements between the parties may persist in other forms, including political rivalry and public debate. Nonetheless, the announcement removes the spectre of ongoing litigation from the national news cycle and could create room for renewed engagement.
For now, attention will turn to how the affected parties respond and whether the withdrawals prompt any follow-up statements or actions. Akpabio’s decision highlights the role personal reflection and public ritual can play in political life, and it will be watched closely for its wider effects on Senate relations and public perceptions of leadership.
Image credit: Vanguard
Key Takeaways:
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio withdrew nearly nine pending defamation suits after a New Year Mass sermon.
- The decision follows high-profile cases in 2025, including a N200 billion suit involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
- The move ends a string of legal disputes that strained relations within the Senate and the political spotlight on Akpabio’s office.
- Legal withdrawals may ease tensions and open space for political dialogue as the year begins.
