- Senate President Godswill Akpabio said that the opposition parties are disorganised and will remain “confused” until after the 2027 general elections
- Akpabio insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has already begun consultations and mobilisation ahead of the polls
- He criticised the internal crises in the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party, saying their divisions weaken their electoral chances
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday, March 7, mocked opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that they are disorganised and would remain confused until the polls are concluded, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) emerging victorious.
Akpabio made the remarks in Uyo as Umo Eno led the people of Akwa Ibom State in receiving Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The First Lady was in the state to unveil the Akwa Ibom Senior Citizens Centre named after her and in honour of Pastor Patience Eno, the late wife of Governor Eno.
The event, which also marked the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, turned into what observers described as a mega rally. It was attended by the wives of several state governors, including those from Lagos, Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun and Ondo states.
Addressing the crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Senate President said the large turnout demonstrated unity in the state and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“If there is anything the First Lady will take away from this visit, it’s that there is unity in this state,” Akpabio said.
“It’s the love Akwa Ibom has for her husband, the love women of Akwa Ibom have for her. I join the governor (Eno) to further endorse the President for a second term in office.
“The bill we’re considering to give space to more women in the National Assembly is still on. I pray the 10th Assembly succeeds with the bill in bringing more women to the parliament.”
Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing August 26, 2026, as the official start date for political campaigns, Akpabio said the APC had already begun consultations and mobilisation, while the opposition remained divided.
“Each time we make a law and the opposition frowns, I get excited that I’ve made the right law,” he said.
“While we are moving around Nigeria, consulting and campaigning, many of them are still trying to form their political party.
“They haven’t even finished registration and they would continue in confusion till 2027 election is over. Instead of putting their houses in order, they’re breaking up.
“You see a man who formed Labour Party, they had millions of votes, today they can’t have a hundred thousand votes, because Labour Party is distressed.
“They have different leaderships. Some in the North, some in the South, some West, some in the East.
“See then PDP that used to be one now struggling to have five different offices in Abuja, with about four Secretaries. Who would sign their forms?
“Yesterday I saw one man shouting on TV because of the Amended Electoral Act, saying we’re likely to boycott elections.
“My response was tell the truth, you’re boycotting the elections because you’re not ready. If you were ready you won’t boycott.”
Akpabio told the First Lady that the large turnout in the state signalled Akwa Ibom people’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term.
“On a day Akwa Ibom women from 8am waited to see her, the thousands of women still waiting shows the love we have for the President of Nigeria, shows the love we have for the wife of the President,” he said.
“This shows we’re all ready to vote for the President to come for second term. Today the women of Akwa Ibom who do not lie have decided today, World Women Day, to endorse President Tinubu for second term.”
He also described Governor Eno as “Mr Unifier,” saying the state had experienced unprecedented unity under his leadership. According to him, the people of the state had already endorsed Eno for a second term even before he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
“I thank President Tinubu in advance, for building a party, APC and being able to hold on to it with tenacity to become a formidable force that now has 31 governors and still moving forward. If politics is a game of numbers, can you beat such a man?” Akpabio added.
Responding, Senator Oluremi Tinubu thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for the warm reception and the endorsement of her husband.
“This love is unforgettable. It’s indeed a mega rally,” she said.
“Thank you for the endorsement of Mr President, the Senate President and the governor for second term. On behalf of the President we won’t take it for granted.
“Today’s event is even more special for the opportunity to celebrate our women in commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day, 8 March.
“This day is a celebration of the remarkable strength, dedication, contribution and achievements of women across the world.
“This year’s theme: Rights, Justice, Action for all women and girls is a call to action, protecting rights of women and girls by ensuring access to education, economic empowerment, health, social protection and equity.
“It’s an investment in our collective future. Caring for the elderly has always been one of the works that is closest to my heart.”
Governor Eno, while thanking the First Lady for unveiling the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Elderly Citizens Centre, said the state government would send a bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to provide legislative backing for the care of elderly citizens.
“We’re sending a bill to the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly to take care of the elderly,” the governor said.