Pat Akpabio’s Explosive Allegations Shake Nigeria’s Political Establishment

A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed the Nigerian Senate after Pat Akpabio, sister-in-law to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, released a 4.5-minute viral video accusing him of betrayal, blackmail, and complicity in violent political crimes allegedly committed during his tenure as Akwa Ibom governor (2007–2015).

The video, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), has reignited scrutiny of Akpabio’s long and often polarizing political career.

In the emotional clip, Pat Akpabio — who is married to the Senate President’s brother — accuses him of orchestrating “decades of political deceit and intimidation,” while demanding that he resign from the Senate Presidency or face the release of what she described as “damning evidence” of his actions. She further alleged that Akpabio’s rise to national power was built on “betrayal of allies” and “cover-ups” linked to unresolved political killings in Akwa Ibom during his governorship era.

Senator Akpabio swiftly dismissed the claims as “malicious fabrications” stemming from family disputes and political resentment, pointing to her husband’s fallout with him after the 2019 general elections, when Akpabio blamed his electoral loss on mismanaged campaign funds and internal sabotage. In a statement from his media office, Akpabio said the video was “part of a coordinated smear campaign designed to destabilize the Senate leadership and distract from national legislative priorities.”

This public family feud has added to Akpabio’s growing list of controversies, following the March 2025 Senate scandal in which Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused him of sexual harassment and abuse of power—allegations that resulted in her temporary suspension from the Red Chamber and drew widespread condemnation from civil society groups.

Political analysts describe this latest episode as both deeply personal and politically dangerous, with the potential to expose the fragile alliances underpinning Nigeria’s current power structure. “When accusations come from within the family, they tend to resonate more deeply with the public,” noted Abuja-based commentator Dr. Chijioke Eze. “It’s not just about politics anymore—it’s about integrity and the perception of unchecked power.”

Public reactions on social media have been explosive, with hashtags like #AkpabioMustExplain and #FamilyVsPower trending nationwide. Some Nigerians applauded Pat Akpabio’s courage in “speaking truth to power,” while others dismissed the outburst as “domestic blackmail wrapped in politics.”

The controversy arrives at a critical moment for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as Akpabio’s leadership faces both internal dissent and growing public distrust amid economic hardship and legislative gridlock. With opposition figures now seizing on the viral clip to demand a formal investigation, pressure is mounting for the Senate President to publicly address the allegations in detail.

For now, Akpabio’s political empire appears shaken but not broken. Yet, as his sister-in-law’s warning reverberates through Nigeria’s political space, the episode exposes the volatile mix of power, family, and secrets that continues to define the nation’s corridors of authority.

Watch the video below

— BusterBlog.com | Political Desk