Why I withdrew all my Lawsuits against Natasha – Akpabio opens up

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained his decision to withdraw a series of defamation suits against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and others, saying the move was guided by faith, moral conviction and the demands of legislative leadership.

Akpabio’s position was conveyed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

The statement described the withdrawal as a conscious departure from a culture where court actions are often used as tools of political combat, noting that the Senate President had previously been firm in defending his reputation through legal means.

According to the statement, Akpabio believes that effective leadership of a Senate made up of 109 lawmakers with diverse ambitions requires restraint, credibility and the ability to rise above prolonged personal disputes.

It argued that constant litigation could undermine focus and distract the legislature from its core responsibilities.

The Senate President linked his decision to what he described as the need to lead by example, pointing to the relative calm and productivity of the upper chamber under his watch.

The statement cited the passage of over 96 bills within two years, with more than 58 already assented to by the President, as evidence of a leadership approach built on consensus rather than confrontation.

Akpabio also traced the decision to a moment of personal reflection during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where a homily on forgiveness prompted him to reassess his legal battles.

Speaking at the service, he revealed that he had instituted nearly nine defamation suits over statements he believed damaged his reputation, before deciding to abandon them.

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

Among the cases withdrawn was a ₦200bn defamation suit filed in late 2025 against Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio had denied. His wife had also earlier filed separate suits against the Kogi Central senator, claiming that the allegations had harmed the family’s reputation.