The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered the withdrawal of all defamation lawsuits he filed against several individuals, saying a sermon delivered during a New Year Mass influenced his decision.
Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he attended a New Year service.
According to him, he had instituted nearly nine defamation cases in court but reconsidered his actions after listening to the priest’s message during the Mass.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me and slandered my name,” Akpabio said.
“But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised he was speaking directly to me. I have therefore instructed my lawyers to withdraw all the lawsuits against them,” he added.
The Senate President was involved in several high-profile legal disputes in 2025, including defamation suits against fellow lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan following allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and asked her to prove in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife had also instituted defamation proceedings against the senator, accusing her of making claims that allegedly damaged the family’s reputation.
Tensions between both lawmakers escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, an allegation the Senate President denied.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had also approached the court to challenge disciplinary actions taken against her, including filing a N100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others over statements she said harmed her reputation.
With Akpabio’s announcement on Thursday, all pending defamation-related cases involving the Senate President are expected to be formally discontinued.
The decision signals an end to months of publicised legal battles and marks a conciliatory start to the new year, according to political observers.
