Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a decisive legal step against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and former Senator Elisha Abbo, demanding public retractions, apologies, and compensation over what he termed “false, malicious, and politically motivated” allegations against him.
The embattled Senate President, through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said formal letters have been dispatched to the duo, insisting on a retraction of their recent accusations and compensation for the “reputational damage” inflicted on him.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had on April 1, 2025, alleged that Akpabio conspired with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her, claiming that the plan was initially to be executed in Abuja but was shifted to Kogi. The explosive accusation sparked outrage, drawing mixed reactions from across the country.
Just a day later, on April 2, 2025, former Senator Elisha Abbo went on national television to revive his 2023 claims that Akpabio masterminded his removal from the Senate by manipulating the judiciary. Abbo also accused the Senate President of withholding his entitlements.
In a strongly worded rebuttal, Akpabio’s office described the allegations as part of a “coordinated smear campaign” designed to dent his image and destabilize the Senate.
“The outrageous accusation is not only false but a complete fabrication and a deeply irresponsible and dangerous attempt to provoke public unrest and discredit the Office of the Senate President,” the statement said.
Akpabio’s spokesperson noted that Senator Natasha had a history of making sensational and unfounded claims, including previous unsubstantiated accusations of sexual harassment, not just against Akpabio but against other prominent Nigerians.
“Having failed to gain traction with her previous narrative, she has now escalated her campaign of misinformation to a deadly and defamatory dimension,” Eyiboh stated.
On Elisha Abbo, the Senate President recalled that the former senator had in 2023 publicly apologized for making similar claims. His retraction at the time, according to Akpabio’s media aide, showed that the renewed allegation was nothing more than political mischief.
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The Senate President also debunked Abbo’s claim of being denied entitlements, stating that payments such as allowances and salaries are handled strictly through institutional processes—not by the discretion of the Senate President.
“The Senate President does not and cannot unilaterally approve or deny such requests. Any delays or rejections would have been based solely on due diligence and compliance with established protocols,” the statement clarified.
Eyiboh described the timing and tone of both Akpoti and Abbo’s statements as “strikingly similar,” suggesting the presence of an orchestrated attempt to malign Akpabio’s leadership and create public distrust in the institution of the Senate.
“These individuals—backed by undisclosed interests—appear united in a desperate effort to undermine the credibility of the Senate and its leadership,” the statement warned.
While legal redress appears imminent, Akpabio maintained that he would not be distracted from his constitutional duties. He called on Nigerians and the international community to disregard what he termed “provocative narratives” and to remain focused on the country’s democratic and legislative progress.
“As a statesman devoted to national unity, institutional integrity, and the rule of law, Senator Akpabio remains undeterred,” the statement concluded.