2027: Opposition will remain in disarray until after elections – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mocked opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying they are confused and will remain so until the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) wins the polls.

Akpabio spoke on Saturday in Uyo during a reception organised by the Akwa Ibom State Government for Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The First Lady visited the state to unveil the Senior Citizens Centre named after her and in honour of Pastor Patience Eno, the late wife of Governor Umo Eno.

The event, which also marked the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, attracted a large crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and was attended by several governors’ wives from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Akpabio said the ruling APC had already begun consultations and preparations for the 2027 election while opposition parties were still struggling with internal crises.

“While we are moving around Nigeria consulting and campaigning, many of them are still trying to form their political party. They haven’t even finished registration and they would continue in confusion till the 2027 election is over,” he said.

The Senate President also criticised the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, saying both parties were facing internal leadership disputes.

He added that the large turnout at the event showed strong support in Akwa Ibom State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

According to him, the people of the state are ready to support Tinubu for a second term in office in 2027.

Akpabio also said the National Assembly is considering a bill aimed at increasing the participation of women in parliament.

Speaking at the event, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for the warm reception and support shown to her and the president.

She described the gathering as memorable and urged continued support for policies that empower women and protect their rights.

Governor Umo Eno, while thanking the First Lady for unveiling the Senior Citizens Centre, revealed that his administration would soon send a bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to provide legal backing for welfare programmes for the elderly.