Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, has denied allegations made by former lawmaker Elisha Abbo, who accused Akpabio of playing a role in his removal from the Senate.
Abbo, who represented the Adamawa North Senatorial District, was ousted following a Court of Appeal ruling on October 16, 2023. The court, led by Justice C.E. Nwosu-Iheme, ruled in favor of Amos Yohanna from the People’s Democratic Party, declaring him the legitimate senator.
In a recent appearance on Arise Television, Abbo blamed Akpabio for his removal, even going as far as claiming the Senate President governs the Senate with an emperor-like authority. Abbo also criticized the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio, however, expressed shock at these fresh accusations, especially since Abbo had publicly apologized and retracted similar claims in 2023.
In a statement issued by Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio clarified that it was the court, not him, that determined Abbo’s fate. He pointed out that Abbo had previously admitted that Akpabio had no role in the legal proceedings leading to his dismissal.
Akpabio also criticized Abbo for misleading the public once again, highlighting that the court had invalidated Abbo’s tenure from the outset.
He explained that any failure to process Abbo’s claims for official benefits was due to them not meeting legal requirements, not any personal animosity.
The Senate President reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law, distancing himself from Abbo’s media tactics.
Akpabio urged Abbo to respect the judicial system, rebuild trust with his constituents, and learn from his political and legal setbacks.
