The Nigerian Senate has decisively rejected any rumors suggesting that Usoro Akpabio, the newly appointed Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission, is the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Sources confirm that Usoro Akpabio’s nomination—alongside former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche as Chairman of the Commission—was officially communicated through a letter from President Bola Tinubu.
Following this announcement, unfounded speculation circulated, purporting that Usoro Akpabio is the Senate President’s first daughter. In an interview with The Punch, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, categorically denied these baseless claims.
“There is no truth to that assertion,” Adaramodu asserted. “It’s as ridiculous as claiming that everyone with the surname Adaramodu in Osun or Ondo State is related to me—it simply does not hold water.”
He clarified that while both individuals share the Akpabio surname and come from the same state, there is no family connection whatsoever.
“The Senate President and the new Managing Director are completely separate individuals. A shared surname or cultural background does not equate to a familial relationship,” he stated emphatically.
Adaramodu further underscored that Usoro Akpabio’s appointment was entirely merit-based and made at the President’s discretion.
“Even if a qualified relative of the Senate President were nominated, it wouldn’t be an issue. But in this case, there is no connection between them at all,” he concluded firmly.
