Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a swipe at former presidential candidate Peter Obi, questioning his leadership credentials and urging him to first address internal issues within the Labour Party before aspiring to govern Nigeria.
Speaking at a public event, Akpabio expressed strong disagreement with a recent comment attributed to Obi, which suggested that “the labours of our heroes past are in vain.” Akpabio called the statement divisive and unpatriotic, arguing that such rhetoric was unbecoming of someone aiming to lead the nation.
“For a man who wants to run Nigeria, you have one of the smallest parties in the country and you can’t resolve it,” Akpabio said. “Is it the crisis of Boko Haram that you can resolve in Nigeria?”
The Senate President contrasted Obi’s approach with his own record as a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, listing achievements including the establishment of top-tier hospitals, roads, and a digitized governor’s office. He also touted his administration’s contributions to national unity through religious pilgrimages and education initiatives.
“I’d like us to be known for what we did when we had the opportunity. As I speak, I can tell you about the Best Hospitals, road infrastructure in my State, the monuments, government houses of both the Governor and Deputy in Akwa Ibom State. And one of the best digitised governor’s offices in Nigeria.
“I can tell you about the best international stadium in West Africa. I can tell you about free and compulsory education that I did for all Nigerians, the unity I brought to Nigeria by sponsoring 500-800 Muslims to the holy land and over 15,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.”
Akpabio further invoked the legacy of elder statesman late Pa Edwin Clark, stating, “This is what Pa Edwin Clark would have advised if he were still alive. I have started speaking in his voice.”
The remarks come amid ongoing internal disputes within the Labour Party and renewed speculation over Peter Obi’s potential plans for the 2027 general election.
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