Akpabio demands retraction against Natasha, Abbo over ‘malicious falsehoods’

By Musa Baba Adamu

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has demanded that Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, retracted her allegation that he sponsored her assassination while on a visit to her country home in Kogi state.

This was even when the Senate President warned ex Senator Elisha Abbo against recirculating allegation he had earlier withdrawn and apologized .

Akpabio in a statement through his Media office described the claims as baseless, false, and inflammatory, stating that they are a complete fabrication and a desperate attempt to provoke public unrest and discredit the person and office of the President of the Senate.

He accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of making this allegation while speaking in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, claiming that Senator Akpabio had recruited former Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her in Kogi State rather than in Abuja.

Akpabio emphasized that these allegations are not only false but also a deeply irresponsible and dangerous attempt to exploit public sensitivities through recurring victimhood narratives.

He highlighted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously made unsubstantiated accusations of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio, which she seems to have abandoned without explanation.

 Additionally, it was noted that she has a history of making similar allegations against other public figures, including former Governor Yahaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023.

Also addressing the allegation by Senator Abbo on Arise Television, he accused him of reviving a previously withdrawn claim that Senator Akpabio manipulated the judiciary to secure his removal from the Senate.

He reminded the public that Abbo had already apologized for these claims in 2023, acknowledging that they were founded on incorrect assumptions.

He described the timing, tone, and striking similarity of these coordinated attacks as a clear indication of a politically motivated smear campaign.

He informed that a formal letters of demand, seeking immediate public retractions, apologies, and compensation for reputational harm, are being served on both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mr. Elisha Abbo.

He urged the Nigerian public and the international community to reject these baseless and provocative narratives, emphasizing that the Senate remains focused on its constitutional mandate to promote legislative excellence, safeguard democratic values, and deliver meaningful progress for the Nigerian people.