Uyo, January 1, 2026 – In a surprising and conciliatory move to mark the start of the new year, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has directed his legal team to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits he instituted against various individuals. The decision, announced publicly during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was inspired by a priest's homily emphasising peace, forgiveness, and letting go of past grievances.
Speaking directly to congregants after the service on Thursday morning, Akpabio revealed that he had initiated nearly nine court cases against persons he accused of defaming, lying about, and slandering him. "I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name," he stated. "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 priest's sermon, delivered by the Parish Priest and Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Very Reverend Father Donatus Udoette, focused on the need for peace and urged worshippers to release burdens of pain and hurt. "You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was. All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on," the priest reportedly said.
This directive effectively ends a series of high-profile legal battles that dominated headlines in 2025, most notably a ₦200 billion defamation suit filed by Akpabio against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central). The lawsuit stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan's public allegations of sexual harassment, which she first made in a February 2025 television interview, claiming advances occurred in Akpabio's office and residence. Akpabio vehemently denied the claims, describing them as false and malicious, and challenged her to prove them in court.
The case, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja in December 2025, had been scheduled to commence hearings on January 21, 2026. Additional related suits included those filed by Akpabio's wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, seeking substantial damages over alleged harm to the family's reputation. Akpoti-Uduaghan had also filed counter-claims and welcomed the legal process as an opportunity to substantiate her allegations.
The feud between the two senators escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan's brief suspension from the Senate in March 2025, which she attributed to her rejection of alleged advances and subsequent criticism of Senate leadership. The disputes sparked national debates on power dynamics, gender issues, free speech, and accountability in Nigeria's political sphere. Civil society groups and rights advocates had criticised the lawsuits as potentially stifling public discourse, while supporters argued they were necessary to protect reputations.
Akpabio's announcement signals a dramatic shift toward reconciliation, bringing abrupt closure to these litigations just as the new year begins. Political observers describe the move as a gesture of statesmanship, potentially easing tensions within the National Assembly and setting a tone of unity for 2026.
As of publication, no official court filings confirming the withdrawals have been reported, but Akpabio's public directive is expected to prompt immediate action from his legal representatives. Reactions from affected parties, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, were not immediately available.
This development underscores the influence of personal faith and spiritual reflection on public figures in Nigeria, where religious events often intersect with political life. Akpabio, a devout Catholic and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has frequently referenced spiritual guidance in his public statements.
The withdrawal comes amid broader national discussions on governance, as the 10th National Assembly prepares for key legislative activities in 2026, including oversight of the recently passed budget.
