Akpabio Denies Assassination Plot Allegations, Threatens Legal Action

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly refuted allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) that he conspired to assassinate her, dismissing the claims as “false, malicious, and inflammatory.”

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio warned that legal action would be taken against both Akpoti-Uduaghan and former Senator Elisha Abbo for what he termed reputational damage.

Formal legal demands are reportedly being prepared, calling for public retractions, official apologies, and compensation.

“As a committed statesman focused on national unity and democratic principles, I refuse to be sidetracked by baseless accusations or inflammatory remarks,” Eyiboh stated.

He further described the accusations from Akpoti-Uduaghan as “not only untrue but also a dangerous fabrication aimed at inciting discord.”

Additionally, Eyiboh recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation she later abandoned without clarification. He suggested that this indicated a pattern of exploiting victimhood narratives for personal and political gain.

“This repeated tactic of spreading falsehoods and playing the victim for political leverage is deeply concerning,” Eyiboh remarked.

The statement, titled “Re: False and Malicious Allegations Targeting the Senate President,” also addressed comments by former Senator Elisha Abbo, who alleged in an April 2 interview on Arise TV that Akpabio influenced the judiciary to remove him from office.

Eyiboh dismissed the claim, pointing out that Abbo had retracted similar accusations in 2023, admitting they were based on false assumptions.

He stressed that Abbo’s removal from office was a decision made by the Court of Appeal based on constitutional grounds, not political interference.

Regarding Abbo’s assertion that he was denied Senate entitlements, Eyiboh clarified that such benefits are handled through administrative processes and are not at the discretion of the Senate President.

“These fresh allegations regarding withheld entitlements are entirely false,” he stated.

Eyiboh further suggested that the allegations against Akpabio were politically motivated, pointing out that their timing and similarity indicated an orchestrated attempt to discredit the Senate’s leadership.

“These individuals, possibly backed by unseen forces, seem determined to weaken the Senate’s leadership,” he observed.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Eyiboh emphasized that Akpabio remains focused on his legislative responsibilities.

“While legal redress is necessary, formal demands for retractions, apologies, and compensation are already in motion,” he concluded.