Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied viral claims that he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital in London for treatment, labeling the reports as outright falsehoods.
The assertions, which surfaced prominently from SaharaReporters alleging he “collapsed on the 10th of this month and was rushed to London in a private jet provided by billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote,” have sparked widespread online speculation and calls for prayers from figures like activist Adeola Fayehun.
Akpabio dismissed the narrative directly, stating “It’s a lie,” while his aides reinforced that the stories constitute “fake news.”
The controversy ignited around December 14, 2025, with SaharaReporters citing anonymous National Assembly sources claiming Akpabio’s condition was “serious enough to warrant continued overseas medical care” and that “doctors are advising him to step down from the Senate to attend to his health.”
Additional details from the report included assertions that “this is the second time he is being rushed to London for treatment,” with multiple senators reportedly visiting him and aides preparing to “pick the guy from the airport.” In response, Akpabio’s team highlighted his recent public appearances, including presiding over Senate plenary sessions, and photos circulated showing him actively engaged, countering the hospitalization narrative.
During Tuesday’s Senate plenary, Senator Titus Zam raised a point of order on the “false reports on media platforms alleging that Akpabio suffered a health emergency and was rushed to a hospital in London,” prompting the chamber to unanimously direct the National Security Adviser (NSA) to probe the origins of these “fake health reports.”
This move underscores growing concerns over disinformation targeting high-profile leaders, especially as Akpabio missed key events like the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) interactive session, where he was represented by Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi—though official explanations attribute this to scheduling rather than health issues.
Therefore, the rumors gained traction amid Akpabio’s last confirmed public outing on December 9, 2025, when the Senate approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin Republic, with Akpabio declaring, “An injury to one is an injury to all,” in emphasis of regional stability.
Social media amplified unverified posts, including Facebook videos and calls to “pray for Akpabio” from accounts like Wisdomblogg and MCA Konuche, fueling public anxiety despite lacking official corroboration. As investigations proceed, the episode highlights vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s information ecosystem, particularly around leaders’ health, echoing past denials of similar claims post his 61st birthday collapse, which was downplayed as mere malaria.
