Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the withdrawal of all pending defamation lawsuits he filed against several individuals, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, bringing an end to months of high-profile legal confrontations.

Akpabio made the announcement on Thursday during a New Year Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, explaining that he was moved by a sermon delivered by the priest.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio said. “But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio filed several high-profile defamation suits, including a ₦200 billion claim against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and challenged her to prove in court. His wife had also filed separate defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing damage to the family’s reputation.

The legal battles followed a breakdown in relations between the lawmakers after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct. She later filed a ₦100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio and others, claiming that remarks made against her had harmed her reputation.

Thursday’s announcement marks a dramatic closure to the long-running disputes, signaling a fresh start as the new year begins.