The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ordered his lawyers to withdraw all pending court cases he filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and several other individuals. The cases were based on allegations of defamation, false accusations and damage to his reputation.
Akpabio made this announcement during a New Year church service at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. The service marked the beginning of the 2026 year and was attended by worshippers, political associates and church leaders.
According to the Senate President, he had filed close to nine different lawsuits against individuals he believed had spoken falsely about him. These cases were already in court and were at different stages of legal proceedings. However, he said he had a change of heart after listening to the sermon delivered by the priest during the service.
Speaking openly before the congregation, Akpabio explained that the message from the altar made him reflect deeply on his actions and choices.
“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me and slandered my name. But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised he was speaking to me,” he said.
He added that the sermon focused on forgiveness, peace and letting go of anger, especially at the start of a new year. According to him, the message touched him personally and pushed him to make a decision he described as difficult but necessary.
“Therefore, I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them,” Akpabio declared.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from those present at the church service. Some applauded the decision, describing it as a rare show of humility and maturity by a top political leader. Others said it was a reminder of the strong influence of faith and religion in public life in Nigeria.
Godswill Akpabio is one of the most powerful political figures in Nigeria. He is the current President of the Senate, the highest-ranking position in the National Assembly. Before becoming Senate President, he served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015 and later as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
Over the years, Akpabio has been involved in several political controversies, including disagreements with former allies and public criticism from opponents. As a senior figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his actions often attract national attention.
One of the individuals involved in the lawsuits is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. She is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has been outspoken on several national issues, including governance, corruption and legislative accountability.
The dispute between Akpabio and Senator Natasha became public after a series of exchanges that many Nigerians followed closely. Allegations and counter-allegations were made, leading to legal action by the Senate President. The matter raised concerns about the use of courts by politicians and the growing tension within the National Assembly.
In Nigeria, defamation cases involving politicians are common. Public office holders often go to court to protect their image, especially in an era of social media, where accusations can spread quickly. However, critics argue that such cases can be used to silence opposition voices or discourage public debate.
Akpabio’s decision to forgive and withdraw the suits has therefore sparked a wider conversation. Supporters see it as an example of leadership, while critics question whether the cases should have been filed in the first place.
Religious leaders have also reacted positively. A church member who attended the service in Uyo said the message was clear and timely.
“The priest spoke about starting the new year with a clean heart, without anger or bitterness. When the Senate President spoke after that, you could see he was serious,” the worshipper said.
Nigeria is a deeply religious country, with Christianity and Islam playing major roles in daily life and politics. Many politicians openly attend religious events and often credit their decisions to faith or divine guidance.
Akpabio’s public declaration fits into this pattern, where political actions are sometimes announced in churches or mosques. While some Nigerians welcome this, others argue that leadership decisions should be separated from religious settings.
For now, the focus remains on what the withdrawal of the cases will mean for those involved. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has not yet made a public statement on Akpabio’s announcement. Other individuals named in the lawsuits are also yet to react.
As the new year begins, many Nigerians will be watching to see if this act of forgiveness leads to calmer political engagement and more focus on governance issues such as the economy, security and development.
Akpabio ended his remarks by urging Nigerians to embrace peace and unity in 2026, saying the country needs understanding more than conflict.