Godswill Obot Akpabio, born on December 9, 1962, in Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician. He currently serves as the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate, a position he assumed on June 13, 2023.
Early Life and Education
Akpabio was born into the family of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio (née Inyangetor). After the early death of his father, he was raised by his mother. He began his education at Methodist Primary School, Ukana, and later attended Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, where he served as Senior Prefect.
He pursued higher education at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. He was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.
Professional Career
Before venturing into politics, Akpabio worked as a teacher and later joined Paul Usoro and Co., a leading Nigerian law firm, where he rose to the position of associate partner. He subsequently became the Managing Director and CEO of EMIS Telecoms Limited, a wireless telecommunications compan
Political Career
Commissioner Roles (2002–2006): Akpabio began his political career in 2002 when he was appointed Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in Akwa Ibom State by then-Governor Obong Victor Attah. He also served in the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as Lands and Housing.
Governor of Akwa Ibom State (2007–2015): In 2006, he contested and won the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries and was subsequently elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007. He was re-elected in 2011. During his tenure, he launched several infrastructure and education projects, earning national recognition.
Senator and Ministerial Roles: In 2015, Akpabio transitioned to the National Assembly, representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, and served as Senate Minority Leader until his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018. In August 2019, he was appointed Minister for Niger Delta Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari and served until May 2022, when he resigned to contest the APC presidential primaries. Although he stepped down for Bola Tinubu, he returned to contest and win the 2023 Senatorial election.
President of the Senate (2023–Present): On June 13, 2023, Akpabio was elected President of the Nigerian Senate, defeating Senator Abdulaziz Yari with 63 votes to 46.
Personal Life
Akpabio is married to Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, a philanthropist and founder of the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI), a non-governmental organization aimed at redirecting development efforts towards families. They have five children together.
Controversies
Akpabio’s career has been marked by notable achievements and marred by controversies involving allegations of corruption, bribery, intimidation, and sexual misconduct. In February 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging inappropriate advances since December 2023. Akpabio denied the claims, and the Senate suspended her for six months on March 6, 2025.
Further Reading
For more detailed information on Godswill Akpabio’s life and career, you can visit his or his official profile on the National Assembly website
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