Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that President Bola Tinubu wishes for a robust and dynamic opposition in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, June 25, while inaugurating the newly built Interchange Bridge on Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) over the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway), Akpabio noted that Tinubu is “disappointed” with the ongoing disunity among opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
The ceremony, which commemorated President Tinubu’s second year in office, had Akpabio standing in for the President.
Previously, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had condemned the PDP leadership for approaching the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the dispute over the party’s National Secretary position.
In reaction, Akpabio called on the PDP to address its internal conflicts, stressing that a healthy democracy requires a formidable opposition. He also voiced concerns about the leadership turmoil within the Labour Party.
“You people got yourselves into this confusion—try and get out of it quickly. President Tinubu is interested in seeing a vibrant opposition. It saddens him to see the opposition in such disarray. As a true democrat, he would like to see strong opposition parties in the country,” Akpabio said.
He further remarked, “Before coming here to represent the President, I received and read a letter from the Labour Party. So it’s not just the PDP; the Labour Party is also in disarray. People who can’t manage a small party are trying to run Nigeria.”
Akpabio also highlighted the defection of Senator Imasuen from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier that day.
“I’m not tired; I’m happy to receive him. Our doors are open in the APC. Congratulations to Imasuen, who has decided to leave the fractured Labour Party and join the APC,” he said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
