Akpabio Links Insecurity Surge to 2027 Politics, Blames Opposition
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a bold claim, alleging that elements within the opposition are actively sponsoring bombings and escalating insecurity across Nigeria. According to Akpabio, these actions are strategically designed to distract President Bola Tinubu and weaken his administration in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Political Motives Behind Security Incidents
Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Akpabio commended Tinubu's leadership and ongoing reforms. He asserted that recent security incidents may be politically motivated, aimed at creating fear and discrediting the government. "You are seeing insecurity today. It is even increasing because elections are approaching," Akpabio stated. "As soon as elections are over, watch what happens. Within the first two weeks, you may not hear of any bomb blast because some people are sponsoring it to distract the government."
However, the Senate President did not specify any individuals, groups, or political parties allegedly involved in these activities. He argued that President Tinubu's performance has significantly strengthened the ruling All Progressives Congress, making it challenging for opposition parties to mount a credible challenge.
APC's Growing Strength and Opposition Struggles
Akpabio highlighted that Tinubu's effective support for states has led to increased alignment among governors. "They say this man is doing well in many areas. If governors are aligning with him, it is because he is supporting the states effectively," he said. "He came in with fewer than 18 governors. Today, nearly 32 governors are aligned with him out of 36."
He further attributed the APC's growing political strength to achievements in infrastructure development, fiscal reforms, and support for sub-national governments. In contrast, Akpabio criticized opposition parties, noting that many are grappling with internal crises and lack cohesion ahead of the next election cycle. "Today, no opposition political party is stable in this country. They have not been able to put their houses in order," he remarked.
Defense of Economic Reforms and Infrastructure Progress
Akpabio defended Tinubu's economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy, emphasizing that this policy helped avert fiscal collapse. "From day one, you said fuel subsidy is gone. I wondered if you knew the implications," he said. "But today, it is clear that entrenched corruption was feeding on subsidy. Nigeria was spending up to 90–93 per cent of its revenue on subsidy and debt servicing."
He explained that these reforms have created fiscal space for infrastructure development, which was previously constrained by heavy debt obligations and recurrent expenditure. "There was no money for infrastructure. You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand," Akpabio added.
Pointing to ongoing infrastructural improvements, he noted the resumption of previously abandoned road and bridge projects in the Federal Capital Territory. "As a long-time resident of the FCT, I have seen visible changes. Some projects we didn't even know existed have now been revived," he observed.
Call for Focus on Achievements
Akpabio commended Tinubu for appointing individuals from outside the APC into key positions, describing it as a sign of inclusive governance. "You have brought in people from outside the APC, showing that governance is about the country, not just the party," he said.
He urged Nigerians to concentrate on the administration's achievements rather than what he termed distractions from political opponents. "While there are serious challenges, some prefer to dwell on trivial issues because they cannot match performance," Akpabio concluded.
