Godswill Akpabio is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who currently serves as President of the Senate of Nigeria. He has held several major political positions, including Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
Akpabio is back in the spotlight in September 2026 after petitioning the Department of State Services over a viral statement attributed to him about Northerners and the 2027 presidential election. He denied making the statement and asked the DSS to investigate its alleged creation and circulation.
His current political position, long career and latest controversy have renewed interest in his biography, age, family, education, career and wealth.
Godswill Akpabio Biography at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Godswill Obot Akpabio |
| Date of birth | December 9, 1962 |
| Age | 63 years |
| Birthplace | Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom State |
| State of origin | Akwa Ibom State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Lawyer and politician |
| Political party | All Progressives Congress |
| Current position | President of the Senate |
| Wife | Ekaette Unoma Akpabio |
| Former office | Governor of Akwa Ibom State |
| Former ministerial role | Minister of Niger Delta Affairs |
Who Is Godswill Akpabio?
Godswill Obot Akpabio is a Nigerian politician and lawyer from Akwa Ibom State. He became nationally prominent after serving as Governor of Akwa Ibom from 2007 to 2015.
He later served in the Senate, became Senate Minority Leader, served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and returned to the Senate in 2023. On June 13, 2023, senators elected him President of the 10th Senate.
Akpabio’s political career has therefore covered state government, the executive branch and the National Assembly.
Godswill Akpabio’s Age and Early Life
Godswill Akpabio was born on December 9, 1962, in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, in what is now Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
His father, Obot Akpabio, died when he was still an infant. His mother, Lucy Obot Akpabio, raised him and played an important role in his early life.
Akpabio attended Methodist Primary School, Ukana, before proceeding to Federal Government College, Port Harcourt. He became Senior Prefect during his secondary school years, an early indication of his interest in leadership.
Godswill Akpabio’s Education
Akpabio studied Law at the University of Calabar and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree.
He subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. He began his professional career as a lawyer before moving into the corporate sector.
His legal training later became an important part of his public career, particularly during his years in politics and government.
Godswill Akpabio’s Private Sector Career
Before entering politics, Akpabio worked in private legal practice. He was associated with Paul Usoro & Co in Lagos before moving into the telecommunications industry.
He later became Director of Corporate Affairs and Legal Services at EMIS Telecoms Limited. He eventually rose to become Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
He also served as National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria.
Godswill Akpabio’s Political Career
Akpabio entered Akwa Ibom State politics during the administration of Governor Victor Attah. In 2002, he was appointed Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources.
He subsequently served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Commissioner for Lands and Housing. These positions gave him extensive experience in the state government before he sought the governorship.
In the 2006 PDP governorship primary, Akpabio defeated numerous contenders and emerged as the party’s candidate. He won the 2007 governorship election and was re-elected for a second term in 2011.
Akpabio as Governor of Akwa Ibom
Akpabio governed Akwa Ibom from 2007 to 2015. His administration became associated with an extensive infrastructure programme, including roads, flyovers, public buildings, healthcare projects and the development of the Ibom International Airport.
His administration also introduced free and compulsory education and expanded healthcare programmes. Civil servants received a 13th-month salary under his administration, which became popularly known as “Akpabiomber.”
His supporters often refer to this period as the Uncommon Transformation era, while his administration also faced political and financial controversies during and after his tenure.
Senate and Ministerial Career
After leaving office as governor, Akpabio won election to the Senate in 2015 to represent Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.
He became Senate Minority Leader but later defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in 2018.
President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in 2019. He resigned in 2022 to pursue the APC presidential nomination but later withdrew from the contest and supported Bola Tinubu.
Akpabio returned to the Senate after winning the Akwa Ibom North-West seat in the 2023 election. Senators subsequently elected him President of the 10th Senate.
Godswill Akpabio’s Wife and Children
Godswill Akpabio is married to Ekaette Unoma Akpabio. She has also been involved in public service and social development initiatives.
Akpabio and his wife have children. The family generally maintains a lower public profile than his political activities, so limited personal information is more appropriate in a general biography.
Why Is Godswill Akpabio Trending?
Akpabio is currently attracting renewed searches because of a viral statement attributed to him concerning Northerners and the 2027 presidential election.
The statement circulated online alongside his photograph and official designation. Akpabio denied making the statement and, through his Chief of Staff, petitioned the DSS to investigate what he described as a false and inflammatory publication.
A fact-check published on September 9, 2026, reported that it found no evidence, video or credible report establishing that Akpabio made the alleged statement.
The controversy has increased interest in Akpabio because of his position as Senate President and his prominent role in Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
What Is Godswill Akpabio’s Net Worth?
Godswill Akpabio’s exact net worth is not reliably established through publicly audited financial records.
Several websites publish estimates of his wealth, but the figures vary dramatically. Some claim tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, while others publish figures that are clearly unsupported.
Those estimates should therefore not be presented as confirmed facts. Akpabio’s known career includes private-sector employment, political offices, ministerial service and legislative positions, but his total personal wealth cannot be established reliably from the available public information.
Read More: Muhoho Kenyatta Biography: Age, Education, Business Career, Family and Net Worth
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Godswill Akpabio?
Godswill Akpabio was born on December 9, 1962. He is 63 years old in September 2026.
Who is Godswill Akpabio’s wife?
Godswill Akpabio’s wife is Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.
Where is Godswill Akpabio from?
He is from Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
What did Godswill Akpabio study?
Akpabio studied Law at the University of Calabar and later attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.
When was Godswill Akpabio governor of Akwa Ibom?
He served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, completing two terms.
When did Godswill Akpabio become Senate President?
Akpabio was elected President of the Nigerian Senate on June 13, 2023.
Why did Godswill Akpabio petition the DSS?
He petitioned the DSS over a viral statement attributed to him about Northerners and the 2027 election. He said the statement was false and asked the agency to investigate its circulation.
Key Facts About Godswill Akpabio
- Godswill Akpabio was born on December 9, 1962.
- He is from Akwa Ibom State.
- He trained as a lawyer.
- He worked in the telecommunications sector before entering politics.
- He served as Governor of Akwa Ibom from 2007 to 2015.
- He represented Akwa Ibom North-West in the Senate.
- He served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022.
- He became President of the Senate in June 2023.
- He is married to Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.
- He petitioned the DSS in September 2026 over a viral statement attributed to him.
Conclusion
Godswill Akpabio’s political journey has taken him from private legal and corporate work to the governorship of Akwa Ibom and the leadership of Nigeria’s Senate.
His career includes major roles at state and federal levels, making him one of the country’s most prominent political figures. His latest dispute over a viral statement has once again placed him at the centre of national attention as Nigeria approaches the 2027 election cycle.