ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) —17 Dec.2025 — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has returned to Nigeria after a brief trip to the United Kingdom, dismissing viral rumors that he was critically ill or dead.
For more than a week, claims circulated on social media alleging that Akpabio had collapsed in a London hospital and was admitted to intensive care. Some posts went as far as declaring him dead. The speculation gained traction after Nigeria‑US‑based blogger Adeola Fayehun posted on Instagram urging Nigerians to pray for the Senate President, describing him as critically ill. The post referenced images of Akpabio using a walking stick and an alleged collapse during his birthday celebration two years ago.
Akpabio rejected the reports outright. “I am fit as a fiddle. I am not dead,” he told journalists in Abuja, stressing that his UK trip was a short private engagement and not a medical emergency.
The matter was formally raised on the Senate floor by Senator Titus Zam of Benue North‑West, who described the spread of false death reports about Nigerian leaders as damaging to the country’s image. He urged the Senate to punish those responsible for the rumors to serve as a deterrent.
Responding during plenary, Akpabio noted that he was not the first Nigerian leader to be falsely reported dead. He recalled an instance where former head of state Yakubu Gowon was rumored dead while he was alive and attending a Christmas carol service. “It is not only politicians they bring this report about. They even showed a burial ceremony of a business tycoon when the person was not dead,” he said.
Akpabio subsequently urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the State Security Services to probe the origin and spread of the rumor.
When the motion was put to a voice vote, it received overwhelming support from senators, who described the reports as “reckless” and a threat to public confidence in governance.
The Senate’s resolution adds weight to Akpabio’s denial, underscoring institutional concern about the impact of misinformation on Nigeria’s political stability.
His return also comes as the National Assembly prepares to deliberate on the 2026 budget framework, with the Federal Government proposing to borrow N17.89 trillion to cover a widening deficit. Akpabio’s leadership will be pivotal in steering discussions on debt sustainability and governance reforms.
Civil society groups have urged transparency from political leaders to reduce speculation, while supporters of Akpabio shared images of him presiding over plenary sessions to counter the false reports. Critics argue that secrecy surrounding leaders’ health and travel creates room for misinformation.
