Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly refuted fresh allegations made by his sister-in-law, Pat Akpabio, who accused him of involvement in killings allegedly committed during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
In a viral Facebook video posted on October 11, Pat Akpabio — a pastor and entrepreneur married to Akpabio’s brother, Ibanga — made a string of accusations, claiming the Senate President was complicit in political violence that took place both during and after his tenure as governor.
She also alleged that Akpabio had betrayed several political allies, including former minister Umana Okon Umana and ex-governorship candidates Nsima Ekere, Akan Udofia, and Bassey Albert.
Pat’s remarks, which drew sharp reactions across Akwa Ibom’s political circles, included personal insults and accusations that Akpabio “forgets those who helped him rise politically.”
She further announced plans to challenge him in the 2027 senatorial election and urged President Bola Tinubu to be cautious in dealing with him, describing the Senate President as “a very wicked man.”
Her video also touched on family grievances, including claims that Akpabio once accused her husband of murder and financial misconduct after the 2019 elections.
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In response, Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations as “baseless, malicious, and politically motivated.”
Speaking to Premium Times, Eyiboh said, “If she is aware of any killing, she should report to the security agencies. Murder is a serious criminal issue, not one to use for political vendetta. Whoever asserts must prove.”
He further described Akpabio as “a humble, family-oriented leader” who has no reason to engage in personal feuds or online exchanges.
“The Senate President is too busy with national responsibilities to respond to every outburst. This is clearly an attempt to draw attention to herself,” Eyiboh said.
The controversy comes at a time when Akpabio, who also serves as the Senate President and a key ally of President Tinubu, faces mounting political scrutiny over internal rivalries within the Akwa Ibom chapter of the APC.
While no formal complaint has been filed regarding the alleged killings, the exchange has once again drawn attention to the challenges of family loyalty and political ambition in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.
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