According to a report by Vanguard on Saturday 7th March 2026, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said opposition parties in Nigeria will remain confused and divided until after the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious.
Akpabio made the remark on Saturday in Uyo while speaking at a reception organised by the Akwa Ibom State Government for Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu; The First Lady visited the state to unveil the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre established by the state government.
The event, which also coincided with the celebration of International Women’s Day, drew thousands of attendees, including wives of several state governors.
Speaking at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Senate President commended the unity among the people of Akwa Ibom and said the large turnout reflected strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the enthusiasm shown by the crowd demonstrated the state’s backing for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Akpabio claimed that while the APC had already begun consultations and mobilisation ahead of the elections, opposition parties were still struggling with internal crises and organisational issues.
He said many opposition figures were still attempting to form alliances and parties, adding that the lack of unity among them would affect their chances in 2027.
“You see people who once had millions of votes but are now struggling with internal divisions,” he said.
The Senate President also referenced leadership disputes in major opposition platforms such as the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that multiple factions and leadership tussles have weakened the parties.
Akpabio told the First Lady that the massive reception organised in her honour was a clear indication of the love the people of Akwa Ibom have for President Tinubu and his administration.
He described the event as a strong endorsement of the President’s second-term bid.
In her remarks, Oluremi Tinubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and appreciation shown by the people of the state.
She also highlighted the importance of the International Women’s Day celebration, emphasising the need to promote the rights and welfare of women and girls through education, economic empowerment, and social protection.
Governor Umo Eno thanked the First Lady for visiting the state and unveiling the elderly citizens centre; He also disclosed that his administration would soon send a bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to provide legal backing for programmes aimed at supporting senior citizens in the state.