“It Will Never Be Well With You” — Akpabio’s Sister-in-Law Accuses Senate President of Killings and Betrayal

A family feud has spilled into the public after Pat Akpabio, sister-in-law to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accused him of being behind multiple killings, betrayal, and neglect of their hometown in Akwa Ibom State.

Pat, a pastor and businesswoman married to Akpabio’s younger brother, Ibanga Akpabio, made the allegations in a video posted on October 11, which quickly went viral online. In the emotionally charged footage, she addressed the Senate President directly, claiming that people were killed during his tenure as governor and that similar incidents have continued under his influence. “For all the people you and your boys have killed when you were governor, and even now, it will never be well with you,” she declared.

The outburst exposed deep divisions within the Akpabio family of Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area. Pat alleged that her husband was falsely accused by his brother of involvement in political killings and of absconding with campaign funds. She said the claims were lies meant to tarnish their reputation, despite her loyalty to the Senate President during his political struggles. “In 2019, I stood by you when others turned against you. I never collected anything from you, yet you repaid us with lies and humiliation,” she said.

Pat also criticized the Senate President for allegedly neglecting their hometown, saying the area had been without electricity for weeks despite his position in government. She accused him of betraying close allies including Umana Okon Umana, Nsima Ekere, Akan Udofia, and Bassey Albert, claiming he used people for his ambition and later abandoned them. She warned that if Akpabio seeks re-election in 2027, she would disgrace him publicly.

In response, Akpabio’s spokesperson, Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations as baseless and attention-seeking. He said anyone with information about killings should report to the police or security agencies instead of making unverified claims on social media. “Whoever asserts must prove. Murder is a serious crime that cannot be tried on social media,” he said. Eyiboh described Akpabio as a humble and family-oriented man, adding that he was too focused on national responsibilities to respond to family disputes.

The video has generated widespread reactions online, with some Nigerians applauding Pat for her courage. A UK-based Nigerian, Zion Umoh, praised her for speaking out and called for an investigation into the allegations. The controversy has also revived discussions about reported cases of political violence and unresolved killings during Akpabio’s tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015.

In 2018, several political figures in Akwa Ibom had demanded a judicial inquiry into killings allegedly linked to his administration. In 2022, estate surveyor and politician James Iniama claimed the period was marked by insecurity, kidnappings, and assassinations. Journalist Ofonime Honesty also alleged that he fled the state after receiving threats over reports connecting the government to the deaths of individuals such as traditional ruler James Obot, businessman Paul Inyang, and the mother of governorship aspirant Iniekong Udonwa.

As of the time of this report, Senator Godswill Akpabio has not personally responded to his sister-in-law’s allegations. Political observers say the public attack from within his own family could deepen scrutiny of his record as governor and may affect his political future ahead of the 2027 elections. Despite the growing controversy, Akpabio remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, and this family crisis has added a dramatic twist to his long political career.