…Set to sue Natasha, Abbo over allegations
The Office of the President of the Senate has strongly denied allegations made by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as “baseless, false and inflammatory.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Tuesday alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio recruited former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to assassinate her. While speaking in Kogi State, she claimed that Akpabio plotted to eliminate her “in Kogi State rather than in Abuja.”
The allegation drew swift reaction from the Senate President’s office, which condemned the statement as a calculated attempt to incite public unrest and discredit the Senate leadership.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the lawmaker’s office described the allegation as “outrageous” and part of a “pattern of deliberate falsehoods.”
“The Office of the President of the Senate strongly condemns the recent baseless, false and inflammatory accusation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in which she falsely alleged that the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, was involved in a plot to assassinate her,” the statement said.
“While speaking in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recklessly and maliciously claimed that Senator Godswill Akpabio ‘recruited’ former Governor Yahaya Bello to ‘assassinate her in Kogi State rather than in Abuja.’
“This outrageous accusation is not only false but a complete fabrication and deeply irresponsible and dangerous attempt to provoke public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit the person and office of the President of the Senate for ulterior motives.”
Eyiboh recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Senator Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim she “seems to have abandoned without explanation.”
“Having failed to gain traction with that narrative, she has now escalated her campaign of misinformation to a deadly and defamatory dimension,” the statement continued.
“This pattern of deliberate falsehoods and manipulative theatrics reveals a troubling willingness to exploit public sensitivities through recurring victimhood narratives.”
The statement further noted that, “It is a matter of public record that she has previously made assassination allegations against former Governor Yahaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023, along with multiple unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against other dignitaries. Her recurring persecution narrative and evident lying complex should not be weaponized to malign individuals or destroy hard-earned reputations.
“Interestingly, this latest reckless allegation is not occurring in isolation.”
The Senate President’s office also addressed comments made by former Senator Elisha Abbo, who appeared on Arise Television on Wednesday, April 2, to revive an earlier claim that Akpabio manipulated the judiciary to remove him from office.
Read also: Akpabio running the Senate like an emperor – Elisha Abbo
“Nigerians will recall that Mr. Abbo, in 2023, publicly retracted this same accusation and tendered an apology after acknowledging that his claims were founded on incorrect assumptions. His removal from office was the outcome of a constitutionally grounded judicial decision by the Court of Appeal, which independently determined that he was not duly elected to represent Adamawa North,” the statement noted.
“In a further twist, Mr. Abbo also alleged that he was denied his entitlements by the Senate President. This, too, is categorically false. Entitlements such as salaries and allowances are processed strictly through administrative and legal procedures. The Senate President does not and cannot unilaterally approve or deny such requests. Any delays or rejections would have been based solely on due diligence and compliance with established protocols.”
Eyiboh described the renewed accusations as a “politically motivated smear campaign,” stating that “these individuals—backed by undisclosed interests—appear united in a desperate effort to undermine the credibility of the Senate and its leadership and intended to distract from their own personal and political shortcomings and failings.”
Despite the allegations, the statement said Akpabio remains focused on his responsibilities.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio remains undeterred. As a statesman devoted to national unity, institutional integrity, and the rule of law, he will not be distracted by malicious falsehoods or inflammatory rhetoric.”
The statement also revealed that legal steps are being taken.
“Regardless of the necessity for legal redress, formal letters of demand, seeking immediate public retractions, apologies, and compensation for reputational harm, are underway to be served on both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mr Elisha Abbo.”
Eyiboh further urged both local and international observers to disregard the allegations, saying, “We call on the Nigerian public in particular and the International Community to reject these baseless and provocative narratives. The Senate, under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, remains focused on its constitutional mandate: to promote legislative excellence, safeguard democratic values, and deliver meaningful progress for the Nigerian people.”
