A long-simmering rift within the powerful Akpabio family has spilled into the public domain after Pat Akpabio, a pastor and businesswoman married to Ibanga Akpabio — brother of Senate President Godswill Akpabio — released a viral video accusing the Senate President of complicity in several unresolved killings in Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor.
In the Facebook video posted on October 11, Pat launched a blistering attack on the Senate President, declaring:
“For all the people you have killed when you were governor, and those you have killed now that you are in the Senate, it will never be well with you.”
Her comments have reignited public debate about allegations of political violence and targeted assassinations in Akwa Ibom, which many claim were rampant during Mr. Akpabio’s political dominance as governor and later senator.
From Ally to Adversary
Pat’s husband, Ibanga Akpabio, was once one of Godswill Akpabio’s closest political allies. He is widely credited with introducing the Senate President to politics in 1999, paving the way for his appointment as a commissioner under then-Governor Victor Attah — a move that ultimately laid the foundation for Akpabio’s rise to the governorship in 2007.
During his administration, several Akpabio family members held key political positions in both government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their inner circle, known locally as the Ukana Ikot Ntuen Cabal (after their hometown in Essien Udim Local Government Area), was seen as one of the most influential power blocs in the state.
However, cracks began to appear after Akpabio left office in 2015. By 2023, the division had become public when Ibanga Akpabio openly supported Emmanuel Enoidem, Akpabio’s rival in the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial election, while another relative, Emem Akpabio, backed Bassey Albert, the YPP gubernatorial candidate.
“This Is Your Quit Notice”
In her video, Pat accused the Senate President of betrayal and ingratitude, saying she would challenge him politically in 2027.
“When you finish, go home. This is your quit notice. Nigerians don’t know who you are. When they do, they’ll know you are a very wicked man,” she said.
She further alleged that Akpabio had once accused her husband of murder and theft following his 2019 senatorial loss to PDP’s Chris Ekpenyong.
“You said my husband killed your associate and ran away with your money. I stood by you in 2019 when people said terrible things about you. Did I collect one kobo from you? Today, you have the audacity to say you made me?”
Pat also criticized the Senate President for neglecting his home community, claiming that his hometown, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, had been without electricity for weeks despite his position as one of the country’s most powerful politicians.
The video, which has since garnered thousands of views online, marks the most public and personal fallout yet within the Akpabio family — a feud that could have political implications ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of press time, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has not publicly responded to the allegations.