Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Lawsuits Filed Against Natasha, Others

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has instructed his attorneys to drop all outstanding defamation cases he had filed against multiple individuals, explaining that the move was influenced by guidance he received at a New Year Mass.

Akpabio disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He stated that he had filed nearly nine defamation cases against individuals he accused of lying about him and tarnishing his reputation.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” he 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.”

In 2025, Akpabio filed a number of high-profile defamation suits, including one against his colleague, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In late 2025, the Senate President instituted a ₦200 billion defamation suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and challenged her to substantiate in court.

Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed separate defamation suits against the Kogi senator, alleging that certain claims had damaged her family’s reputation.

The relationship 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.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had also approached the courts to challenge actions taken against her, including filing a ₦100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others over statements she said harmed her reputation.

With Thursday’s announcement, Akpabio has effectively brought an end to all pending defamation-related litigations linked to the disputes.