Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After New Year Sermon

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has formally withdrawn all defamation suits he instituted against various individuals, attributing the decision to a sermon he listened to during a New Year Mass.

Akpabio disclosed this on Thursday at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he revealed that he had previously filed close to nine defamation cases against individuals he accused of spreading falsehoods and damaging his reputation.

According to the Senate President, the priest’s homily during the service triggered deep personal reflection, leading him to reconsider his resort to legal action. He said the message resonated directly with him and influenced his decision to discontinue the lawsuits.

“I had almost nine cases in court against people who defamed me and told lies about me,” Akpabio said. “But after listening to the priest, I felt he was speaking to me personally, and I have directed my lawyer to withdraw all the cases.”

Throughout 2025, Akpabio had pursued several high-profile defamation suits, including actions against fellow senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Toward the end of the year, he instituted a ₦200 billion defamation suit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and challenged her to substantiate in court. Earlier, his wife had also filed separate defamation suits, alleging that certain claims made against the family were injurious to their reputation.

The relationship between both lawmakers deteriorated significantly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.

Akpabio’s announcement effectively brings an end to all pending defamation-related litigation involving him, closing a chapter of legal disputes as the new year begins.