Akpabio’s Sister-in-law Accuses Him of Betrayals and Past Killings,Threatens More Revelations

A fresh controversy has erupted in Akwa Ibom State after Pat Akpabio, the sister-in-law of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accused him of being involved in several unresolved killings that occurred during his tenure as governor.

Pat, who is married to the Senate president’s brother, Ibanga Akpabio, made the allegations in a video posted on social media, where she also vowed to expose more details about the Senate president’s past.

Pat, a pastor and entrepreneur, claimed that the Senate president had a history of betraying political allies who supported his rise to power. She accused him of neglecting his hometown, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, and failing to improve living conditions in the area despite his political influence.

She also alleged that her husband had been wrongly accused by the Senate president of murder and of taking his money during the 2019 senatorial elections.The dispute between Pat and the Senate president comes amid deep divisions within the once-powerful Akpabio family.

The family, once united during Godswill Akpabio’s time as governor, reportedly fell apart after members took different political paths during recent elections. Sources close to the family said the feud stems from greed, power struggles, and a loss of political control after Akpabio’s tenure ended in 2015.

During her recent outburst, Pat claimed that Akpabio had turned against many of his early political associates, including former ministers, governorship candidates, and party leaders, accusing him of forgetting those who supported his rise.

She also hinted at contesting against him in the 2027 senatorial election, stating that he no longer enjoys the trust of Akwa Ibom people.Responding to the allegations, Akpabio’s spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, said the claims were baseless and politically motivated.

He stated that if Pat had evidence of killings, she should present them to the security agencies instead of using social media to tarnish the Senate president’s image. He described Akpabio as a devoted family man who remains focused on his national duties and has no time for personal attacks.

Despite the denial, the allegations have reignited memories of the violent period in Akwa Ibom during Akpabio’s administration between 2007 and 2015. Residents and political observers recall that the state witnessed a surge in cult-related activities, assassinations, and kidnappings during that time.

Several community leaders and politicians, including a former senator, Anietie Okon, had previously called for a commission of inquiry to investigate the killings.Some individuals who lived through that period have also spoken about the violence that characterized Akpabio’s era.

Former governorship candidate James Iniama once described that time as unsafe for residents and businesses, alleging that many families were victims of targeted attacks and abductions. He claimed that he had to flee the state due to threats to his life after the 2007 elections.

A journalist based in Uyo also stated that there were records of politically linked killings, including the murder of the mother of a governorship aspirant, the killing of a party chieftain, and the assassination of a traditional ruler.

These incidents, he said, were never properly investigated or resolved.Meanwhile, a UK-based Nigerian, Zion Umoh, has expressed support for Pat Akpabio, describing her as brave for speaking out. He also renewed calls for an investigation into the alleged killings during Akpabio’s administration, urging authorities to revisit the cases.

The development has added to growing tensions within Akwa Ibom’s political space, with renewed scrutiny of the Senate president’s political past and family divisions.

As of now, no formal complaint has been filed with law enforcement, but the accusations continue to generate strong public reactions across the state and beyond.