Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Nigerian Senate, has ordered the withdrawal of all ongoing defamation lawsuits he filed against multiple individuals, including a high‑profile ₦200 billion suit against fellow senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan.
The decision, announced at a New Year’s Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, follows a sermon on peace and forgiveness that he said struck a personal chord.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio 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 suit against Akpoti‑Uduaghan stemmed from allegations she made in 2025, including claims of sexual harassment — which Akpabio consistently denied and challenged her to prove in court.
This move brings formal closure to nearly nine publicised defamation actions linked to discord between Akpabio and his critics, signalling a conciliatory shift at the start of 2026.
