It was a day of highwire politics and thinly veiled jabs during inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Wednesday.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, turned the podium into a loyalty pitch, urging President Bola Tinubu to guarantee a return ticket for the current National Assembly leadership in 2027.
His message was blunt: We are with you, so keep us with you.
“If the National Assembly is so much with yo;, why don’t you encourage them to come back and support you in the second term?” Akpabio asked Tinubu, which elicited a loud applause.
“Nobody can break through the National Assembly to dislodge you. We are solidly behind you,” he declared, insisting that no plot to use the legislature against the President would succeed.
Painting a picture of senators tugging at his agbada to follow him to the event, Akpabio said:
“When I was coming, a lot of senators were dragging my clothes and saying, ‘are you leaving us behind?’ And I said they did not mention your name. They said, please, let us just come with you.”
He then sought presidential clearance for an even broader show of force next time — bringing along the minority caucus.
“The senator, I want your permission to come next time with the minority leader and those in the minorities in the National Assembly,” he said.
Then came the punchline — a direct shot at governors plotting a quick jump to the Senate.
“And for my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people. I did eight years as a governor, and the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” Akpabio warned.
He mentioned no names, but the target was unmistakable. Moments earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma had announced from the same stage: “I will be on the ballot as a senatorial candidate.”
Uzodimma had also called for unity behind Tinubu, saying the success of one candidate depends on all.
Akpabio, leaning on his 25 years in politics and two terms as Akwa Ibom governor, closed with his winning formula:
“Take it from me. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win. And why I always win is because I stand with people.”
- Media Report