Akpabio's Fiery Warning: National Assembly Impervious to Tinubu's Destabilizers!

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has unequivocally declared the National Assembly's firm support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, assuring the president that no entity can infiltrate the legislative body to undermine his administration. This strong assurance was delivered by Akpabio during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, which took place on Wednesday in Abuja. Akpabio framed the broad political support for President Tinubu as a clear demonstration of confidence in the ongoing efforts and reforms of his administration.

Akpabio further emphasized the historical significance of President Tinubu's second-term campaign, noting that it has brought together politicians from various party lines, a development he described as an unusual and unprecedented feature in Nigeria’s democratic experience since 1999. He highlighted that such a diverse composition of a presidential campaign council, including almost all political parties in Nigeria, is historic and uncommon. The Senate President specifically acknowledged prominent political figures from opposition parties present, such as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party. Their participation, Akpabio stated, reflects the paramount importance of individual contributions to national governance, transcending conventional party affiliations.

Expressing profound confidence in the current administration, Akpabio asserted that President Tinubu’s reforms are increasingly gaining recognition among Nigerians, thereby strengthening his case for another term in office. He passionately articulated, "Mr President, it’s because of your personae, because you’ve done well and you deserve a second term in office." Reaffirming the legislature’s unwavering position, Akpabio assured President Tinubu that any attempts by those seeking to destabilize his government through the National Assembly would ultimately fail, declaring, "We are solidly behind you."

The Senate President also revealed the enthusiastic desire of many lawmakers to participate actively in the campaign. He recounted that numerous senators had expressed their eagerness to accompany him to the inauguration, metaphorically "dragging my clothes." Akpabio informed President Tinubu of his intention to seek approval to involve more lawmakers, including members of the opposition, in future campaign engagements, specifically mentioning Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro as one of those he intended to bring along.

Beyond legislative support, Akpabio offered counsel to governors, urging them to maintain an unwavering focus on their responsibilities to the people they serve, rather than allowing themselves to be distracted by ambitions for other political offices. Drawing from his extensive experience as a former governor, Akpabio underscored the importance for elected officials to prioritize and deliver on their mandates, stating, "And for my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people…There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available."

Finally, Akpabio advised President Tinubu to carefully consider wisdom offered by Governor Soludo, recounting an analogy the Anambra governor reportedly used to caution against unnecessary intervention: "He said, if the clothes is not torn, why try to mend it? If you try to mend it, you are doing what? You are going to tear the clothes."