Akpabio denies Elisha Abbo’s allegation, calls for maturity in public discourse

The Office of the President of the Senate has strongly refuted fresh allegations made by Mr. Elisha Abbo, the former senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, dismissing them as baseless, malicious, and an attempt to mislead the public.

The Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has reiterated that he played no role in Mr. Abbo’s removal from the Senate by the judiciary.

In a statement released on April 3, 2025, the Senate President’s office expressed disappointment that despite publicly retracting similar allegations in 2023—admitting at the time that his claims were “premature and based on the available information at our disposal”—Mr. Abbo has once again embarked on a campaign of misinformation and blame-shifting.

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The statement clarified that Mr. Abbo was removed from office following a judicial process at the Court of Appeal, which ruled that his election was invalid. The court, after a thorough review of the case, found that his presence in the Senate was in error and declared his tenure null and void ab initio.

The Senate President’s office emphasized that Senator Akpabio, a respected lawyer and democrat, upholds the independence of the judiciary and would never interfere with its decisions.

“It is therefore both illogical and irresponsible for Mr. Abbo to now allege that the Senate President influenced a court judgment—a judgment which he himself accepted at the time and for which he expressed contrition for his earlier unfounded claims,” the statement read.

The former senator also accused the Senate leadership of withholding his entitlements, including salaries, allowances, and an official vehicle, following his removal from office. The Senate President’s office responded by stating that all financial and administrative processes are guided by due diligence, Senate procedures, and existing laws.

“If any of Mr. Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet lawful standards—not due to any personal or political vendetta,” the statement added.

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The statement further reminded Nigerians of Mr. Abbo’s past controversies, including a widely circulated 2019 video in which he was seen assaulting a female citizen in Abuja. A competent court subsequently ordered him to pay ₦50 million in damages.

“These matters of public record speak volumes about his temperament and disposition. His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant,” the statement noted.

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Senator Akpabio’s office reaffirmed his commitment to nation-building, democratic governance, and the independence of the judiciary. It urged Mr. Abbo to reflect on his political trajectory, accept the consequences of his actions, and work towards regaining public trust rather than engaging in baseless accusations.

“We urge Mr. Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth,” the statement concluded.