Written by SpringNewsNG Media Limited | April 4, 2025

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vehemently rejected accusations by former Senator Elisha Abbo, who claimed Akpabio played a role in his removal from the National Assembly. In a statement released on Thursday by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio termed Abbo’s allegations as “false and misleading.”

The controversy erupted after Abbo, in an interview on Arise News TV, accused Akpabio of running the Senate like a “personal empire” and plotting the removal of several senators, including himself. Abbo specifically alleged that Akpabio targeted senators who disagreed with him and claimed that Akpabio had privately informed him of the plan to remove him from office.

The former senator, who backed Abdulaziz Yari’s bid for Senate President, also accused Akpabio of attempting to sway him through personal appeals and financial incentives. He further alleged that Akpabio denied him travel reimbursements, blocked his participation in international parliamentary assignments, and withheld his official vehicle after his removal.

In his rebuttal, Akpabio expressed surprise at Abbo’s renewed accusations, especially since Abbo had publicly apologized and retracted similar claims in 2023, admitting that the allegations were based on incorrect information. Akpabio emphasized that the court, not him, had determined Abbo’s fate, and it was unreasonable for Abbo to now claim that he influenced the judicial process that led to his removal.

“It is unfortunate that, despite publicly retracting similar allegations in 2023, Mr. Abbo continues to spread misinformation,” Akpabio’s statement read. “After a discussion with me, he himself acknowledged that I had no involvement in the legal proceedings that resulted in his ouster. It is perplexing that he would now return to the same baseless claims he once disavowed.”

Akpabio also addressed Abbo’s claims about denied entitlements, such as salaries and an official vehicle. He explained that any such requests were rejected not due to personal or political motivations but because they did not meet the legal standards established by the court’s ruling, which declared Abbo’s tenure invalid from the outset.

“The consequences of his legal and political challenges were determined by the court,” Akpabio said. “Rather than accepting this, Abbo continues to engage in media theatrics and irresponsible accusations.”

Akpabio reaffirmed his commitment to his leadership role, stating that he remains focused on his responsibilities, which include advancing the nation’s democratic processes and upholding the independence of the judiciary. “I will not be distracted by attempts to rewrite history or deflect from personal failures,” he added.

He urged Abbo to focus on rebuilding trust with his constituents and reflecting on his own actions, emphasizing that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish when its leaders demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and respect for the truth.

Akpabio’s leadership remains focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and advancing the country’s progress, despite the distractions of personal grievances and baseless allegations.