Akpabio Withdraws 200 Billion Defamation Suit Against Akpoti‑Uduaghan and Others

Akpabio Withdraws 200 Billion Defamation Suit Against Akpoti‑Uduaghan and Others

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Abuja, Nigeria — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially withdrawn the ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit he filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan and several other defendants, his media office confirmed on Friday. The directive to discontinue the legal action was issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, and also covers other pending defamation cases Akpabio had instituted.

The decision was reportedly prompted by a moment of spiritual reflection during a New Year’s Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A sermon focused on forgiveness, letting go of grievances, and the demands of leadership inspired Akpabio to reconsider litigation as a tool for defending his reputation.

According to his media office, he had filed nearly nine defamation suits against individuals he believed had damaged his image. Influenced by the church service’s message, Akpabio directed his legal team to formally withdraw these suits, including the ₦200 billion case against Akpoti‑Uduaghan, which was filed in late 2025 at the Federal Capital Territory High Court over allegations she made against him.

The withdrawal is framed as a deliberate leadership choice, emphasizing that litigation should not be an extension of political conflict, especially in a legislature tasked with passing laws and serving the public. Akpabio reportedly stressed that the Senate under his watch has been unusually stable and productive, and that ending contentious legal battles would help maintain this environment.

The ₦200 billion suit was part of a wider legal confrontation between Akpabio and Akpoti‑Uduaghan, a PDP senator representing Kogi Central, who had publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment — allegations he has consistently denied. Akpoti‑Uduaghan had also challenged her suspension from the Senate and pursued legal action of her own against Akpabio.

Observers suggest that the withdrawal may ease tensions within the National Assembly and refocus attention on legislative duties, highlighting alternative, non‑litigious approaches for resolving high-stakes political disputes.