President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has firmly denied allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), accusing him of plotting to assassinate her. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described the claims as “malicious, false, and baseless.”
The Senate President condemned what he termed a coordinated smear campaign, stressing that he remains committed to national unity, democratic values, and the rule of law.
“As a statesman devoted to national unity and democratic values, I will not be distracted by malicious falsehoods or inflammatory rhetoric,” Akpabio stated.
The allegation, which Akpoti-Uduaghan made during a public address in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, accused Akpabio of recruiting former Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her. The Senate President’s office has dismissed the claim as a “dangerous and provocative fabrication.”
Eyiboh noted that legal action is already underway, with formal letters of demand being prepared for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and former Senator Elisha Abbo. The letters will seek immediate public retractions, formal apologies, and compensation for alleged reputational damage.
The statement also referenced previous accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, including an unsubstantiated claim of sexual harassment against Akpabio—a claim she reportedly abandoned without clarification.
“This recurring pattern of false allegations, including similar claims in 2019 and 2023, suggests a troubling exploitation of victimhood narratives for political advantage,” the statement read.
Akpabio also addressed fresh accusations by former Senator Abbo, who alleged during an April 2 appearance on Arise TV that Akpabio manipulated the judiciary to unseat him. According to Eyiboh, Abbo had previously retracted similar claims in 2023 and publicly apologized.
“His removal was the result of a constitutionally grounded judgment by the Court of Appeal, not political interference,” Eyiboh clarified, adding that claims about unpaid entitlements are “categorically false” and not under the discretion of the Senate President.
The statement suggested that both allegations are politically motivated and aimed at undermining the credibility of the Senate’s leadership.
“These individuals, possibly backed by hidden interests, appear united in a desperate attempt to discredit the Senate and its leadership,” it added.
Despite the growing controversy, Akpabio affirmed his commitment to his legislative duties and to upholding the integrity of the Senate.
He called on Nigerians and the international community to disregard the allegations and instead focus on the Senate’s efforts to advance democratic governance and national progress.
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