The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his legal team to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits filed in his name against several individuals, marking a dramatic turn in a series of high-profile legal battles that dominated much of 2025.
Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Addressing the congregation, the Senate President revealed that he had instituted nearly nine defamation suits against individuals he accused of lying, slandering his character and damaging his reputation.
According to him, the decision to discontinue the cases was inspired by a message delivered during the Mass. Akpabio said the priest’s sermon prompted a moment of reflection, leading him to conclude that forgiveness and reconciliation were more appropriate as the new year began.
“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.”
The lawsuits were among the most closely watched legal disputes involving senior political figures in Nigeria in recent years. In 2025, Akpabio filed several defamation actions, including a major case against fellow senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. One of the most prominent suits sought N200 billion in damages over allegations of sexual harassment made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, claims Akpabio strongly denied and challenged her to prove in court.
The legal conflict extended beyond the Senate President himself. Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also initiated defamation proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that statements attributed to the lawmaker had harmed the family’s reputation.
Relations between the two senators deteriorated significantly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct. She subsequently challenged actions taken against her through the courts, including a separate N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over remarks she said damaged her own standing.
With Thursday’s declaration, Akpabio has effectively brought all pending defamation-related litigation involving him to an end. Political observers see the move as a symbolic reset at the start of the year, potentially easing tensions within the Senate and signalling a desire to move past a period marked by bitter public disputes and courtroom confrontations.
