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  • Akpabio hale, hearty in London, says Gbenga Daniel

    Akpabio hale, hearty in London, says Gbenga Daniel

    Former Ogun State governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has dismissed media reports claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was hospitalised in an unnamed London hospital.

    According to a statement by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Daniel explained that he made a stopover in London to personally inform the Senate President of his planned return to Nigeria to participate in the August 16 bye-election for the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency seat, declared vacant following the death of former Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewumi Onanuga.

    Daniel told Akpabio, “Your Excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, Your Excellency.”

    In response, Akpabio thanked Daniel for the courtesy visit and expressed confidence that with the backing of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Daniel, and other party stakeholders in Ogun State, the ruling party would retain the seat in the forthcoming election.

    Read Also: I’m amused seeing those who said Asiwaju had no chance now gallivanting around him – Gbenga Daniel

    “Let me congratulate you in advance, because you have all it takes to retain that Federal Constituency seat for our great party. You are from there, and interestingly, the Governor is also from there, so I don’t harbour any fear.”

    On his purported sickness, as reported by some sections of the media, particularly the Social Media, Akpabio said, “If you listen to the social media, you will go to war.”

  • Tinubu, Akpabio, Akume, others mourn Audu Ogbeh

    Tinubu, Akpabio, Akume, others mourn Audu Ogbeh

    …hail late statesman’s patriotism, lasting legacy

    A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Audu Ogbeh, is dead.

    A statement issued by the Ogbeh family said that the elder statesman who was also a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, died on Saturday, August 9, at the age of 78.

    The family described the deceased as a patriarch who left a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to the country and community.

    “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away on August 9 at the fulfilled age of 78.

    “He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to our nation and community. We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set,” the family said.

    Reacting to the elder statesman’s demise, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described him as a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.

    In a condolence message to the government and people of Benue State, the President said the nation had lost a statesman of rare intellect and commitment to national development.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also commiserated with the late politician’s family, friends, and associates.

    President Tinubu noted the late Ogbeh’s deep intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his skill in articulating practical solutions to the country’s complex challenges.

    “He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” the President said.

    Joining politics in the 1970s as a legislator, Chief Ogbeh became a respected voice in governance, earning a reputation for principled service and an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential, said Tinubu, as he prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and

    God’s comfort to his bereaved family.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the deceased as a man of integrity and deep commitment to the Nigerian project, saying his death is a monumental loss to the nation.

    Akume, who paid a condolence visit to Ogbeh’s Abuja residence on Saturday, hailed the elder statesman as a distinguished leader, consummate public servant, and patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his people and the country in various capacities.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described Ogbeh as a “distinguished leader, teacher, patriot, consummate public servant, and quintessential intellectual, who shone more than a million stars in the service of his community, Benue State, and Nigeria as a whole.”

    “Our prayers are with the family and loved ones he left behind, and we pray that Almighty God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of this perfect gentleman,” he added.

    Likewise, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo expressed shock and sadness over Ogbeh’s demise.

    Obasanjo who is in Uganda on a visit, described the late Minister as a peace-loving, unassuming, committed patriot and a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President stressed that late Ogbeh “will be missed for his commitment to politics, governance and democracy and the re-establishment of democracy in Nigeria.  His place will be very difficult to fill within his community, the State, the Party and the nation.”

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also expressed sadness over the passing of Ogbeh.

    Akpabio, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, described the late statesman as a distinguished Nigerian that lived a life of service and integrity.

    Read Also: Ambode denies ADC defection rumours

    “Chief Ogbeh lived a life of service, integrity, and commitment to the development of our nation. He was an intellectual store house, whose legacy of service and dedication to Nigeria is a testament to his character and commitment to public service. We will sorely miss him.

    “On behalf of my family, constituents and the 10th Senate, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Chief Audu Ogbeh, his friends, political associates, and the people and government of Benue State as well as our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on his part, described Ogbeh’s demise as a rude shock stressing that the late Audu Ogbeh was a quintessential gentleman, an amiable friend and reliable political ally, whose immense contributions to nation-building would be sorely missed.

    “He was a detribalised and development-minded politician. One who combined intellectualism with pragmatism. He was also a true defender of liberal democracy. His type is difficult to replace,” Atiku said, and prayed that “the Almighty blissfully rests his soul and comfort his family.”

    The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, David Mark, also lamented the death of frontline politician and former PDP chairman.

    In a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, Senator Mark said: “I have lost a dependable brother and friend.”

    Mark recalled that Ogbeh was among the rare breed of political leaders who genuinely believed in the unity of Nigeria, where no citizen should be oppressed or denied the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.

    “Ogbeh preached justice, fairness, and equity. He was morally upright even in the face of adversity,” he said, urging his family and the people of Benue State to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

    Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on his part, stated that the late Ogbeh was one of the most effective national chairmen in the history of the PDP.

    In a personal tribute, Ibori praised the late Ogbeh as a humble and unassuming gentleman who valued integrity above money or personal gain. 

    Ibori recalled that during his bid for re-election as governor in 2003, Ogbeh was given direct instructions to block his candidacy. However, Ogbeh, being a man of principle, refused to comply with what he termed “devilish machinations.” Ibori went on to contest and win the election, completing his second term in 2007. 

    “On behalf of myself, my wife, and my entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and the good people of Benue State. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.

    The Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) also expressed sadness over the demise of the elder statesman.

    Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe, Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message issued by his Media Aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli,on Saturday, in Gombe, described Ogbeh as a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect and an iconic son of Northern Nigeria.

    “Chief Audu Ogbeh was an accomplished leader, a seasoned politician and multifaceted scholar whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and development will remain etched in history.

    “He brought dignity and depth to every office he held and served the country with integrity and commitment,” he said.

    The NSGF chairman described Ogbeh’s death as a huge loss not only to Benue and the north, but also to the entire country as he left behind a legacy of patriotism, intellectual depth, humility and outstanding public service.

    The Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) also condoled with the family of late Ogbeh; Chairman of the Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, in a statement in Abuja, described him as a statesman whose vision extended beyond politics into the fields and homes of Nigerian farmers. During his tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, he launched initiatives like the Agricultural Inputs Mechanisation and Management Services (AIMMS) to enhance transparency and reduce fraud.

    “In his public life, Chief Ogbeh always put Nigeria first, preaching about the unity and betterment of Nigeria. He was a good ambassador of Benue State, and his contributions to national development will be remembered.”

    Former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, has described the late Audu Ogbeh as one of the most effective national chairmen in the history of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

    In a personal tribute, Ibori praised the late Ogbeh as a humble and unassuming gentleman who valued integrity above money or personal gain. 

    Reflecting on their political history, Ibori recalled that during his bid for re-election as governor in 2003, Ogbeh was given direct instructions to block his candidacy. However, Ogbeh, being a man of principle, refused to comply with what he termed “devilish machinations.”

    Ibori went on to contest and win the election, completing his second term in 2007. 

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) equally expressed deep shock over Ogbeh’s demise, describing him as a nationalist and one of Nigeria’s biggest farmers.

    In a condolence message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the Forum described Ogbeh as “a passionate and large-scale farmer” and “a committed son of Arewa,”stressing that his contributions to agriculture, politics, and national unity were indelible.

    Ogbeh, a renowned farmer, playwright and politician, served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 under late President Muhammad Buhari.

    The native of Efugo-Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State was previously appointed as the Minister of Communications during the Second Republic administration of the late President Shehu Shagari at the age of 32, making him the youngest federal cabinet member at that time.

    He had previously served as deputy speaker of Benue House of Assembly after joining politics in 1979.

  • Civil society coalition alleges plot to blackmail Akpabio

    Civil society coalition alleges plot to blackmail Akpabio

    A coalition of civil society organizations led by the Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to blackmail the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, describing it as a calculated attempt to smear his reputation and destabilize the country’s democratic institutions.

    In a statement signed by its National Convener, Dr. John Samuel Nangi, the group alleged that a coordinated scheme involving paid agents and social media influencers was being orchestrated to level false sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President.

    NIW claimed that several women are currently being housed in a luxury hotel in Lagos where they are being “coached” by known blackmailers to fabricate damaging accusations. The group further alleged that a serving appointee in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a disgraced former senator are behind the plot.

    “This campaign of calumny is not just an attack on one man, but a direct assault on the credibility of one of the highest offices in the country,” the statement read.

    According to the NIW, the operation also involves a network of online content creators and influencers being mobilized to push misinformation and propaganda aimed at discrediting Senator Akpabio and the Senate.

    Read Also: Akpabio hails D’Tigress for FIBA 2025 triumph

    The group urged key security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to urgently investigate the matter and stop any moves capable of undermining national stability.

    Dr. Nangi stressed the need to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions from malicious manipulation, warning that the consequences of such a plot could further weaken public trust in governance.

    “This is not just about politics. It’s about safeguarding our democracy. We must not allow deceit and manipulation to destroy the foundations of our leadership,” he stated.

    As the allegations unfold, the NIW called on the media, civil society, and all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any efforts to derail the democratic process through blackmail and propaganda.

  • Akpabio bags International Peace Award

    Akpabio bags International Peace Award

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been honoured with the International Peace Award by the Global Peace Movement International.

    The international recognition, according to the President of the Global Peace Movement International, Dr. Mike Uyi, in a statement, is in recognition of Akpabio’s outstanding contributions to global diplomacy and parliamentary excellence.

    Uyi said, “Global Peace Movement International is delighted to announce that Senator Godswill Akpabio, the esteemed Senate President of Nigeria, has been honoured with the prestigious International Peace Award.

    “This distinction is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision as an Executive Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and one of the esteemed Commissioners worldwide.

    Read Also: Akpabio hails D’Tigress for FIBA 2025 triumph

    “His pivotal role in restoring Nigeria’s IPU membership, a distinction lost over five decades ago, is a monumental achievement that showcases his dedication to reinstating Nigeria’s prominent position on the global stage.

    “This feat has not only elevated Nigeria’s international stature but also underscored Senator Akpabio’s unwavering commitment to fostering global cooperation and understanding.

    “The Global Peace Movement International takes great pride in recognising and honouring Akpabio’s remarkable achievements, celebrating his profound impact on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape and his tireless efforts in promoting peace, unity, and cooperation. His exemplary leadership and enduring legacy are shaping a brighter future for our beloved nation, Nigeria.

    “In light of these extraordinary accomplishments, the Global Peace Movement International will present the International Peace Award to Senator Godswill Akpabio in August 2025.

    “This award serves as a testament to his outstanding contributions to global peace and diplomacy, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to inspire a new generation of leaders and citizens alike.”

  • Akpabio to global lawmakers: let’s partner for peace, justice

    Akpabio to global lawmakers: let’s partner for peace, justice

    President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has called on parliamentarians worldwide to stand in partnership for peace, justice, and a shared destiny.

    He stated this in his remarks at the ongoing 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union IPU in collaboration with the United Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland

    According to Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom, in Abuja, “As parliamentarians, let us commit to collaboration and the courageous pursuit of solutions that transcend borders and partisan divides.

    “I bring you greetings from the Senate and the resilient people of Nigeria. I come from a nation that has endured fire and risen from ashes. A nation that finds clarity in confusion and keeps sailing through storms and rough weather.

    “This conference—’ A World in Turmoil: Multilateralism for Peace, Justice and Prosperity for All’—meets the moment. Across the globe, conflict drowns out the songs of peace. War consumes not only homes but the hopes of families. And while science surges, millions—especially in developing nations—remain trapped in cycles of fear and want.

    “With the world now a global village, these are not distant crises. I urge affected nations not to surrender to despair. We in the Nigerian Senate have chosen to legislate in the storm, reform in the furnace, and lead with courage.

    “We face armed conflict, climate disruption, and youth disillusionment. Terrorists exploit poverty and displacement. Farmer-herder clashes and small arms proliferation threaten our unity. But we are not defined by what we face, but by how we rise. In the furnace of turmoil, we are becoming stronger, wiser, and more determined to build a greater nation”.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Barau hail Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON triumph

    Akpabio stressed that “In parliament, we are legislating to secure the future. In partnership with the Executive, we have passed laws to confront insecurity and rebuild trust: the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, and the Out-of-School Children Education Act, etc.

    “We are investing in innovation, through a 10-year National Digital Strategy, to equip our youth to bridge the divide. Through the Start-Up Act, expanded credit access, and digital training, we unlock potential long caged by poverty.

    “We are also advancing inclusion. The Not Too Young to Run Act was a summons to a new generation. Women and persons with disabilities are no longer on the margins. And legislation is underway to institutionalise gender quotas—because inclusion, not exclusion, must be our standard.

    “We have devised strategies to fight poverty: education loans, vocational training, tax reforms for the vulnerable, and cash transfers to the poorest households—all aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals”.

    He noted further, “Multilateralism must not become a rhetoric. It must rise as a movement of resolve. The Nigerian Parliament believes in international solidarity as a shared responsibility. For humanity is a single tapestry, and when one corner is torn by conflict or injustice, the whole fabric is weakened.

    “Let us therefore stand in partnership, committed to peace, justice, and shared destiny. We must not simply convene; we must command. Let us bind our futures not only in treaties, but in tenacity and remain paragons of purpose.

    “As parliamentarians, let us commit to collaboration and the courageous pursuit of solutions that transcend borders and partisan divides.”

  • Senate will act to end killings in Plateau, Akpabio assures

    Senate will act to end killings in Plateau, Akpabio assures

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured the people and government of Plateau State that the Senate, under his leadership, is committed to working with relevant government and security agencies to end the persistent killings in the state.

    Akpabio gave the assurance on Friday during the funeral service of the late Professor Janet Plang, wife of Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity. The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos.

    His remarks were in response to a passionate appeal by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government to halt the continuous attacks and loss of innocent lives in the state.

    In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said, “As the President of the 10th Senate, I hear you loud and clear. Be rest assured that your travails will receive the needed attention and response from the relevant agencies. And the Egyptians you see today, you shall see them no more.”

    “Let me on behalf of my distinguished colleagues condole with your government and the people of Plateau State on this needless and unwarranted loss of lives.

    READ ALSO: FG applauds Owolabi Salis as first Nigerian to travel to space and return

    “I assure you that your message would be delivered to President Bola Tinubu and something would be done very urgently to protect the lives and property of the people living in this state.”

    In his condolence message at the funeral service, Akpabio described late Professor Janet Plang as, “quintessential woman and mother, who loved humanity and did all within her powers to inculcate the same in the lives of our children.

    “On behalf of the 10th Senate, I pray for the repose of her soul and may God grant the father, husband and children as well as those who knew her while she was here with us, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss in Jesus’ name.”

    In her message at the service, President of the Senators’ Wives Association of Nigeria (SEWAN), Dr (Mrs) Unoma Godswill Akpabio, noted that the departed Professor who headed the Association’s Committee on Education, was a very committed and dedicated member of the group, who carried out her assignments with all her strength and vigour.

    “Our departed sister would be greatly missed. We will miss her candor and commitments to the progress of the Association.

    “She was an integral part of us. It was her Committee that made it possible for us to intervene in the education of 15 indigent students of the University of Abuja.

    “We pray for the family and loved ones left behind and may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” she said.

  • Akpabio – Eno: A collaboration for unity, growth, development of Akwa Ibom

    Akpabio – Eno: A collaboration for unity, growth, development of Akwa Ibom

    • By Justina Emem Akpan

    The recent political collaboration between the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, marked by Akpabio’s symbolic handover of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership structure in Akwa Ibom State to Eno on July 11, 2025, represents a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.

    This event, following Governor Eno’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on June 6, 2025, carries significant implications for the unity, growth, the strength of the APC, as well as the broader development trajectory of Akwa Ibom State.

    Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the APC, after being elected in 2023 on the PDP platform, ended the PDP’s 26-year dominance in Akwa Ibom, a state long considered a PDP stronghold.

    This move was not merely a personal political shift but a strategic realignment involving key stakeholders, including Eno’s deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, members of the state executive council, federal and state lawmakers, and local government chairpersons.

     The defection was formalized at a high-profile ceremony at the Government House in Uyo, attended by prominent APC figures, including governors from Lagos, Cross River, Delta, and Edo, signaling its national significance.

    Eno’s decision was framed as a response to the need for Akwa Ibom to align with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu to secure developmental benefits, particularly the long-delayed Ibom Deep Seaport project.

    This pragmatic approach underscores a broader trend in Nigerian politics where state leaders seek alignment with the ruling party to access federal resources and influence.

    Akpabio, a former PDP governor of Akwa Ibom (2007–2015) who defected to the APC in 2018, has long advocated for linking Akwa Ibom to the “national power grid” to enhance its political and economic relevance. Governor Eno’s defection fulfills this vision, positioning Akwa Ibom as a key player in APC’s national strategy.

    The handover of the APC structure to Governor Eno, symbolized by the presentation of the party’s broom at a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo, was a strategic move by Senator Akpabio to consolidate the party’s influence in Akwa Ibom.

    Read Also: Tinubu urges unity, pays tribute to late Awujale of Ijebuland

     Akpabio declared that Governor Eno as the new political leader of the APC in the state, emphasizing that this was a “merger, not an acquisition,” to foster unity rather than division.

    The broom, a symbol of sweeping away poverty, underdevelopment, and disunity, encapsulated the aspirational narrative of this collaboration.

    This act was not only a formal transfer of leadership but also a public endorsement of Eno’s leadership style, which Akpabio described as inclusive, peaceful, and aligned with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu.

     The stakeholders’ meeting, the first since Eno’s defection, saw unanimous support for both Tinubu and Eno for second terms in 2027, reflecting a unified front within the state’s APC structure.

    This endorsement signals a deliberate effort to project stability and cohesion, critical for the APC’s growth in a state historically dominated by the opposition.

    The collaboration between Akpabio and Eno has profound implications for the APC’s unity in Akwa Ibom.

    Akpabio’s call for party members to shun divisive tendencies and embrace Eno’s leadership aims to bridge the gap between legacy APC members and new defectors. However, tensions exist, as evidenced by a petition from some APC stakeholders opposing automatic tickets for incumbent lawmakers, fearing marginalization of loyal members who supported Akpabio during his own defection in 2018.

    These stakeholders expressed concerns that Eno’s influence might undermine Akpabio’s legacy, highlighting a potential “cold war” between old and new members.

    But Akpabio’s emphasis on a merger rather than an acquisition seeks to mitigate these tensions by advocating for inclusivity and sacrifice from both sides. He urged ward leaders to avoid imposing barriers on new members, fostering an open and welcoming party structure.

    The presence of high-profile APC figures, including eight governors and then APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, at Eno’s reception into the party, underscores the national leadership’s commitment to harmonizing these factions.

    Akpabio’s role as a unifying figure, leveraging his position as Senate President and his historical influence in Akwa Ibom politics, is crucial in navigating these internal dynamics.

    This collaboration also strengthens the APC’s unity by aligning state and federal interests. Akpabio’s vision of connecting Akwa Ibom to the national power grid is reinforced by Eno’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s re-election, creating a cohesive political strategy that transcends local rivalries. The symbolic and practical integration of Eno’s leadership into the APC framework positions the party to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially reducing the rancour that has characterized past elections in the state.

    An indisputable fact is that Governor Eno’s defection significantly bolsters the APC’s growth and strength in Akwa Ibom. The state’s transition from a PDP stronghold to an APC-led government expands the party’s footprint in the South-South region, a historically challenging area for the APC. The defection of Governor Eno, along with his deputy, state executive council members, and local government leaders, brings a substantial political structure into the APC, enhancing its grassroots mobilization capacity. This mass movement is likely to attract additional defectors, further consolidating the APC’s dominance in the state.

    The endorsement of Tinubu and Eno for second terms by APC stakeholders signals a strategic focus on continuity and stability, which could strengthen the party’s electoral prospects. Akpabio’s influence as Senate President and his ability to secure federal support for Akwa Ibom’s development priorities, has seen many appointments of Akwa Ibom indigenes into influential posts in recent time and it has considerably enhanced the APC’s appeal to voters seeking tangible benefits from alignment with the federal government. Moreover, Governor Eno’s inclusive governance, exemplified by initiatives like building lodges for local government chairmen and empowering over 500 people with N250 million in grants, thereby positioning the APC as a party committed to grassroots development.

    This new political collaboration between Akpabio and Eno has significant implications for Akwa Ibom’s development. The alignment with the APC-led federal government is expected to unlock federal support, positioning Akwa Ibom to realize long-standing aspirations. President Tinubu’s assurance, via Vice President Kashim Shettima, of delivering democratic dividends to Akwa Ibom underscores this potential.

    Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, focusing on agricultural growth, economic diversification, and tourism, resonates with the APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda, creating a synergy that could attract federal investments. Initiatives like the overhaul of airport facilities (N1.19 billion investment) and the development of a shopping city to boost tourism demonstrate Eno’s proactive approach to the development of the state, which Akpabio has praised as visionary. Moreover, the political stability fostered by this collaboration could create a conducive environment for investment and development. Akpabio’s emphasis on unity and Eno’s inclusive governance approach, which has earned him widespread support, reduce the risk of disgruntled politicians stirring up disagreements and rancour that have historically been the bane of in many states. Also, the involvement of traditional rulers, political leaders, and grassroots stakeholders in the defection and handover events further solidifies this unified approach, ensuring broad-based support for development initiatives.

    From all indication, the collaboration between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, symbolized by the handover of the APC structure, marks a transformative moment for Akwa Ibom’s political and developmental landscape. It strengthens the APC’s unity and growth by integrating a significant political structure into the party, enhancing its electoral prospects and influence in the South-South region. For Akwa Ibom, this alignment with the federal government promises accelerated development while fostering political stability through inclusive governance.

    However, the success of this collaboration hinges on navigating internal party tensions and maintaining public trust. By prioritizing unity, equitable integration of party members, and tangible developmental outcomes, Akpabio and Eno can solidify the APC’s dominance in Akwa Ibom and position the state as a model of progress under the APC’s banner. This strategic partnership not only reshapes Akwa Ibom’s political dynamics but also sets a precedent for state-federal collaboration in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

    • Ms Justina Emem Akpan, a development economist and good governance advocate, writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

  • Buhari: Akpabio leads NASS delegation on condolence visit to Radda

    Buhari: Akpabio leads NASS delegation on condolence visit to Radda

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has led a National Assembly delegation to Daura, Katsina State, for a condolence visit to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda following the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Speaking during the visit, Akpabio described the late president as “a patriot, a man of integrity, and a shining light who served Nigeria both as a military leader and democratically elected president.”

    The Senate President informed the delegation faced travel challenges the previous day when their flight couldn’t land due to airport closure, forcing them to circle for over two hours before diverting to Abuja. 

    He said ”We insisted we must return today to honour a man who gave everything for Nigeria,” 

    Akpabio who served as a minister under Buhari, described the late President’s legacy as one defined by discipline, humility and love for the country. He.also recalled his connection to Katsina State including the establishment of Faculty of Law at Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, which he insisted be named after Buhari rather than himself.

    Read Also: APC youth group urges Tinubu, Akpabio to back Sani Musa for national chairman

    Radda thanked the delegation and also shared his close relationship with the late president. 

    He sai: “Since his retirement, I visited Baba every two to three weeks. He always reminded me to fear God, lead with justice, and love this country.

    “Buhari  appears reserved from a distance but warm and inspiring in person.His passing is a great loss to Katsina, to Nigeria and to all of us who looked up to him as a father,” 

  • APC youth group urges Tinubu, Akpabio to back Sani Musa for national chairman

    APC youth group urges Tinubu, Akpabio to back Sani Musa for national chairman

    A prominent political advocacy group, the APC Youth Solidarity Network for Progressive Change, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to urgently persuade Senator Mohammed Sani Musa to contest for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement signed by its National President, Gideon Oche, the group said the APC must not leave its leadership to chance as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    Describing Senator Musa as a “bridge between generations” and a “strategic institutional thinker,” the group said his leadership would be critical in rebuilding and repositioning the APC for long-term electoral success.

    “The continued dominance of our party in Nigerian politics hinges not just on policy but on the strength, vision, and foresight of its internal leadership,” the statement read.

    According to Oche, Senator Musa possesses the right blend of youthfulness and experience, idealism and wisdom, making him a uniquely qualified candidate to lead the party at this crucial time.

    “We are making this patriotic call with the deepest sense of urgency. Senator Sani Musa is not just a ranking senator; he is a party man with deep institutional memory, strong political values, and a clear understanding of how to navigate the future,” he said.

    The group urged President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio to take a leading role in guiding the party toward a credible internal succession process that will promote unity and inspire confidence heading into the 2027 elections.

    “2027 is not as far away as it seems. The next National Chairman of the APC will either lead this party into a new era of strategic coherence or preside over its decline. We believe Senator Mohammed Sani Musa is the kind of figure who can inspire cohesion, renew confidence in the party, and restore credibility to the APC’s national secretariat,” the statement reads.

    Oche further noted that Senator Musa’s track record in the Senate, particularly as chairman of key committees on finance, electoral reform, and technology, has shown his capacity to lead with foresight and pragmatism. 

    He described the senator as a “seasoned politician and leader” whose background in public service and governance places him in a unique position to refocus the APC from within.

    “In a time when political parties around the world are being tested for their relevance, the APC must not wait to be forced into crisis. It must take proactive steps to install a leadership that can inspire trust both within and beyond its membership. Senator Musa represents that quiet strength, that intelligent discipline, that deliberate vision the APC needs at this time,” the group said.

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    The statement warned against allowing political patronage or elite compromise to dictate the future of the party, saying the selection of the next National Chairman must be one rooted in merit, historical understanding, and national projection.

    “We cannot approach 2027 with business as usual. We need a party leader who understands the stakes—who is respected in both the North and South, who is accessible to young people and the political establishment alike. Senator Musa is that person,” Oche insisted.

    The group concluded by reiterating its call on President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio to “kindly but firmly” encourage Senator Sani Musa to offer himself for national service through the position of National Chairman, saying history will judge their roles in shaping the party’s future.

    “Posterity beckons. Senator Musa must now be called upon to serve—not out of ambition, but out of duty,” the statement added.

  • Akpabio: The foretold prophesy of Akwa Ibom and the centre

    Akpabio: The foretold prophesy of Akwa Ibom and the centre

    • By Jackson Udom

    Just like the late Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, it could also be rightly said that the incumbent President of the Nigerian Senate and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, had a dream. In 2018, he declared that he dreamt of seeing Akwa Ibom State return to Nigeria’s centre of power in his lifetime. 

    At the time, not many people in the state shared his vision when he took steps to fulfill this dream. Akpabio, regarded as one of the few politicians who understand the signs of the times, first met with then-President Muhammadu Buhari in London to formally inform him of his decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    Before the London visit, his planned defection to the APC remained mere speculation. Even some of his loyalists dismissed it as the handiwork of his political opponents. 

    However, on August 8, 2018, Akpabio publicly announced his move to the APC at a grand rally which attracted prominent APC figures. 

    In his speech at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio told supporters that his decision was not a defection, rather a movement aimed at reconnecting the state to Nigeria’s political centre. He emphasized that since 1999, Akwa Ibom had played a role in national politics and should therefore not remain in opposition. 

    His departure from the PDP was met with fierce resistance from the state government at the time. He was vilified, demonized, and betrayed by some of the very people he had helped elevate politically. The height of this betrayal came with his controversial loss in the 2019 senatorial re-election bid, where state machinery was deployed against him and his supporters. 

    Despite this setback, Akpabio later emerged as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and a member of the Federal Executive Council under President Buhari. After serving for over two years and still driven by his vision to integrate Akwa Ibom into national politics, he resigned from the FEC to declare his presidential ambition. 

    Read Also: Akpabio hands over APC leadership in A’Ibom to Eno

    His campaign took him across all 36 states, garnering endorsements from critical stakeholders nationwide. True to his reputation as a politician who reads the signs of the times, Akpabio delivered a powerful speech at the APC presidential primary on June 7, 2022, where he withdrew from the race and endorsed Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. 

    His unexpected move influenced other aspirants to step down, earning him the title of “Game Changer.” Tinubu went on to win the presidency, while Akpabio was re-elected as the Senator for Akwa Ibom North-West. With Tinubu’s support and the backing of his colleagues, Akpabio emerged the President of the 10th Senate, on June 13th 2023.

    As Nigeria’s number three citizen, Akpabio sought to solidify his political base by ensuring Akwa Ibom was no longer in opposition. He found an ally in Governor Umo Eno, who embraced his vision and worked towards making it a reality. 

    Akpabio’s dream of linking Akwa Ibom to the centre was finally fulfilled on June 6, 2025, seven years after he first envisioned it, when Governor Eno officially joined the APC. This marked a historic shift in the state’s political dynamics. 

    Akpabio’s leadership, marked by inclusiveness and statesmanship, has helped reconcile past conflicts and set the stage for progress. His efforts have not only unified the state but also positioned it for greater development. 

    While formally handing over the APC structure in Akwa Ibom to Governor Eno, Akpabio remarked, “Akwa Ibom is one. This governor is a unifier, and we should shun divisive tendencies and support him to bring development to our dear state.”

    With Akpabio’s guidance and Governor Eno’s leadership, Akwa Ibom is now poised for a brighter future, united and aligned with the national government. 

    • Udom is the Special Assistant on Media to the President of the Senate.