People who cannot effectively manage a political party are now aspiring to govern a country. You people brought this confusion upon yourselves—do everything possible to resolve it quickly
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the current state of disunity among Nigeria’s opposition parties and wishes to see a stronger, more vibrant opposition emerge for the good of the country’s democracy.
Akpabio made this known on Wednesday, June 25, during the commissioning of the newly completed Interchange Bridge on Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) over the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway) in Abuja.
The event, which marked President Tinubu’s second year in office, was attended by several dignitaries, with Akpabio representing the President.
Addressing the gathering, Akpabio expressed dismay at the current internal crises plaguing the major opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
He disclosed that President Tinubu, a democrat at heart, is disappointed with the growing disunity within these parties and believes that a healthy democratic system requires a strong and organized opposition.
“President Tinubu is interested in seeing a vibrant opposition in this country. It saddens him to witness the level of disarray within the opposition ranks. As a true democrat, he wants the opposition parties to thrive, not collapse under internal confusion,” Akpabio stated.
He further urged the PDP to urgently address its leadership problems, referencing the controversy surrounding the party’s National Secretary position, which recently led the PDP leadership to visit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Akpabio echoed concerns previously raised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who had publicly criticized the PDP over the issue.
Directly addressing members of the PDP, Akpabio said, “You people brought this confusion upon yourselves—do everything possible to resolve it quickly.”
The Senate President also turned his attention to the Labour Party, lamenting the disorder within its leadership. “Before coming here, I received a letter from the Labour Party, and it was evident from its content that the party is also in a state of chaos. People who cannot effectively manage a political party are now aspiring to govern a country,” he remarked.
Highlighting the ripple effects of these internal crises, Akpabio cited the defection of Senator Neda Imasuen, who left the Labour Party earlier that day to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I am not tired of welcoming new members. I am pleased to receive Senator Imasuen into our fold. The APC remains open to those who are ready to contribute to national development. Congratulations to him for taking the bold step of leaving a divided Labour Party and joining the APC,” Akpabio concluded.