The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said opposition parties in Nigeria will remain in a state of confusion until the conclusion of the 2027 general elections, criticising their internal divisions and early political manoeuvring.
Akpabio made the remarks in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, while addressing guests at a reception organised in honour of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. The event brought together political leaders, supporters and dignitaries from across the state and beyond.
According to the Senate President, the decision by opposition parties to begin political activities well ahead of the timeline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reflects deep-seated disorganisation within their ranks. INEC has scheduled the official commencement of political activities for the 2027 elections to begin on 26 August 2026.
Akpabio argued that the ruling party and its allies are focused on consultation and mobilisation across the country, while opposition parties are still grappling with internal disputes and attempts to restructure their organisations.
“Each time we make a law and the opposition frowns, I get excited that I’ve made the right law,” Akpabio said, suggesting that criticism from rival political groups often reinforces his confidence in legislative decisions.
He added that while the ruling political bloc continues to engage stakeholders nationwide, several opposition figures are still attempting to establish or reorganise political platforms.
“While we are moving around Nigeria, consulting and campaigning, many of them are still trying to form their political party,” he said.
“They haven’t even finished registration and they would continue in confusion till the 2027 election is over. Instead of putting their houses in order, they’re breaking up.”
The Senate President also pointed to internal divisions within prominent opposition parties as evidence of instability. Referring to disputes within the Labour Party, he claimed that the party, which recorded significant support in the last election cycle, has since been weakened by leadership struggles across different regions of the country.
“You see a man who formed Labour Party, they had millions of votes; today they can’t have a hundred thousand votes because Labour Party is distressed,” he said.
Akpabio further criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once Nigeria’s dominant political party, saying it is currently plagued by internal leadership conflicts.
“They have different leaderships. Some in the North, some in the South, some in the West, some in the East,” he said.
“See then PDP that used to be one now struggling to have five different offices in Abuja, with about four Secretaries. Who would sign their forms?”
