‘They’ll remain in confusion till 2027’ — Akpabio mocks PDP, LP

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Saturday mocked Nigeria’s opposition parties, describing them as fragmented and unprepared for elections, while praising President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for maintaining political dominance.

Mr Akpabio made the remarks at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during an event where Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, attended to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day in the state.

In a speech that drew applause from supporters, the senate president said the opposition remained too divided to pose a serious challenge to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Form me, I am there. When I make a law, some (people) will smile, and some will frown, but each time I see the opposition frown, I get excited that I’ve made the right law,” he said.

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Taunts at opposition parties

Mr Akpabio said opposition leaders were still struggling to organise their parties while the APC continued to consolidate power across the country.

“Because while we are moving around Nigeria consulting and campaigning, many of them are still trying to form their political parties.

“They’ve not even finished registration, and they will continue in confusion until the 2027 election is over. Instead of putting their houses in order, they are breaking up.”

He specifically referenced internal crises within the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“You’ll see a man formed the Labour Party, they had millions of votes. Today, they can’t have 100,000 votes because LP is in shreds. They have different leadership: some in the north, south, west, and some in the east.

“You see, the then PDP that used to be one is now struggling to have about five different offices in Abuja with about four secretaries. Who will sign their forms?”

Mr Akpabio also dismissed threats by some political actors to boycott elections over the recently amended Electoral Act.

“Yesterday, I saw one man shouting on television that because of the amended Electoral Act, we’re likely to boycott elections. I say tell the truth. You’re boycotting the election because you’re not ready,” he said without naming the individual.

Praise for Tinubu, APC

The senate president used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for building what he described as a strong political platform.

“I want to congratulate President Bola Tinubu in advance for being able to form a party, the APC, and being able to hold onto it with tenacity and being able to organise it to become a formidable force that today has 31 governors and is still moving forward.

“If politics is a game of numbers, can you beat such a man?” Mr Akpabio asked.

Background: Electoral law controversy

Mr Akpabio’s remarks come amid ongoing debate over amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, particularly provisions affecting the electronic transmission of election results.

This newspaper reported that lawmakers in the National Assembly recently rejected proposals to mandate the real-time electronic transmission of results directly from polling units, a move strongly advocated by civil society groups and opposition politicians.

Critics argue that the refusal undermines transparency and could weaken public confidence in elections, especially after disputes over the conduct of the 2023 polls.

Supporters of the amendment, however, say the electoral commission should retain discretion over the manual method of transmitting results, citing logistical and technological constraints.