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Senate President Godswill Akpabio Retracts All Defamation Lawsuits Following Inspirational Sermon
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially withdrawn every defamation lawsuit he had initiated against multiple individuals, attributing this significant decision to a reflective moment inspired by a New Year’s sermon.
A Transformative Moment at Sacred Heart Parish
On Sunday, at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio revealed that he had previously pursued legal action against nearly nine people whom he accused of tarnishing his reputation through false statements. However, after hearing the priest’s message during the New Year Mass, he experienced a change of heart.
“I had almost nine ongoing cases against individuals who defamed me, spreading lies and slandering my character,” Akpabio shared. “But the priest’s sermon struck a chord with me, and I felt it was a personal call. Consequently, I have instructed my legal team to withdraw all these lawsuits.”
Context and Details of the Defamation Cases
In 2025, Akpabio’s defamation suits became a focal point in Nigerian political discourse, drawing widespread media coverage. Among the most prominent was a high-profile case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
That year, Akpabio filed a staggering N200 billion defamation claim against Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her accusations of sexual harassment-allegations he vehemently denied and challenged her to substantiate in court.
Adding to the legal battles, Akpabio’s wife also initiated separate defamation proceedings against the senator, citing damaging remarks that she claimed harmed their family’s reputation.
Escalating Political Tensions and Their Impact
The relationship between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan deteriorated further after the latter accused him of orchestrating her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, a move she linked directly to her public allegations against him.
This series of events not only intensified political rivalries but also highlighted the complex interplay between personal grievances and public office in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Reflection and Reconciliation: A New Chapter
Akpabio’s decision to retract all defamation suits marks a notable shift towards reconciliation and perhaps a strategic move to restore his public image. This development underscores the potential influence of faith and introspection in resolving conflicts, even within the often contentious arena of politics.
As of early 2026, this withdrawal has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the gesture as a step toward healing, while others remain skeptical about the motivations behind the move.
