Taiwo Popoola
The Office of the President of the Senate has dismissed fresh allegations by former Senator Elisha Abbo, accusing him of spreading misinformation and attempting to shift blame for his removal from the Senate.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Senator Godswill Akpabio’s spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President refuted claims that he played any role in Abbo’s ouster, describing the accusations as “spurious and malicious.”
He alleged that Abbo was only trying to rewrite history to mask his failure.
Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District before a judicial ruling overturned his election, had previously admitted in 2023 that his initial allegations against Akpabio were “premature and based on the available information at our disposal.”
Following a discussion with the Senate President last year, he reportedly retracted his claims, acknowledging that Akpabio was not involved in the legal proceedings that led to his removal.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error,” the statement read.
“The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed.”
The statement emphasized that Akpabio, a lawyer and democrat, respects the judiciary’s independence and would not interfere in its processes. It also criticized Abbo for reversing his stance and reigniting allegations he had previously withdrawn.
Addressing Abbo’s complaints about unpaid benefits, the Senate President’s office clarified that all financial and administrative approvals follow due process. “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 because of any personal or political vendetta,” the statement asserted.
The response also aimed for Abbo’s public record, referencing a 2019 incident in which he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja—a case for which he was ordered to pay N50 million in damages.
The statement concluded by urging Abbo to accept responsibility for his legal and political challenges rather than resorting to “media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing.”
Senator Akpabio, according to his office, remains committed to his legislative duties and will not be distracted by “individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures.”
