The Senator President Godswill Akpabio has condemned the unfounded, false, and inflammatory claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for being involved in a plot to assassinate her.
During a public statement in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recklessly and maliciously alleged that Senator Akpabio had “recruited” former Governor Yahaya Bello to “assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja.” These allegations are not only completely false but are also a dangerous and irresponsible attempt to stir public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit the Senate President for personal motives.
“It is important to note that this same individual had previously made an unsubstantiated accusation of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio, a claim which she later abandoned without explanation. After this narrative failed to gain traction, she has escalated her campaign of misinformation to a more sinister level with these false assassination claims.
“This pattern of deliberate falsehoods and manipulative tactics highlights her apparent willingness to exploit public sensitivities through recurring victimhood stories. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously made similar assassination accusations against former Governor Yahaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023, alongside multiple unfounded sexual harassment allegations. This consistent campaign to tarnish reputations through baseless allegations must not be allowed to succeed.
“Additionally, just 24 hours after these accusations, former Senator Elisha Abbo appeared on Arise Television to revive a previously retracted claim, accusing Senator Akpabio of “manipulating the judiciary” to secure his removal from the Senate. Nigerians will recall that Mr. Abbo publicly apologized in 2023 after retracting these claims, acknowledging they were based on incorrect assumptions. His removal was the result of a constitutionally sound judicial decision by the Court of Appeal, which ruled he was not properly elected to represent Adamawa North,” the statement read.
Senator Abbo also falsely claimed he was denied his entitlements by the Senate President. This allegation is categorically untrue, as salaries and allowances are processed through strict administrative and legal procedures, and the Senate President does not have the power to unilaterally approve or deny such requests.
“The timing and similarity of these coordinated attacks point to a politically motivated smear campaign. These individuals, likely supported by undisclosed interests, appear determined to undermine the credibility of the Senate and its leadership to distract from their own political shortcomings and failures.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio remains undeterred. As a committed statesman devoted to national unity, institutional integrity, and the rule of law, he will not be distracted by malicious falsehoods or inflammatory rhetoric.
“Legal action, including formal letters of demand seeking immediate public retractions, apologies, and compensation for reputational damage, will soon be served to both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mr. Elisha Abbo.
“We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to reject these baseless and provocative narratives. Under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate remains focused on its constitutional duties: promoting legislative excellence, safeguarding democratic values, and driving meaningful progress for Nigeria.”
