Akpabio To Obi: Fix Labour Party Crisis Before Aiming To Lead Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has fired back at the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, over his recent comment that “the labour of our heroes past is all in vain.

“Akpabio says Obi lacks the moral authority to govern Nigeria if he cannot resolve internal crises within his party.

Akpabio made the remarks yesterday in Abuja during a valedictory session at the Senate chamber in honour of the late elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark.

In a veiled swipe at Obi, Akpabio said: “If you cannot resolve the crisis in your Labour Party, how can you solve the crisis of Boko Haram or other major national issues? I urge those aspiring to lead Nigeria to address the issues within their parties.”

The Senate President’s response came a day after Obi paid tribute to the late Clark during a memorial lecture in Abuja.

In his speech, Obi had commended Clark’s legacy of courage and sacrifice but lamented the current state of Nigeria. He argued that the efforts of past leaders like General Yakubu Gowon and former President Goodluck Jonathan had been rendered futile by today’s challenges.

Obi also criticised the Nigerian government for a lack of accountability and civic engagement, citing the absence of public protests over recent fuel price hikes, in contrast to the mass demonstrations during Jonathan’s administration.

He claimed that democracy in Nigeria was deteriorating and said he was often accused of “demonising the country” for speaking out.

Akpabio, however, dismissed Obi’s remarks as lacking perspective and suggested that leadership begins with managing internal party affairs.

Reflecting on his record, Akpabio highlighted his achievements as a former governor of Akwa Ibom State. “I can proudly speak about the dualised thoroughfares in my city, the international hospitals, and the digitalised governor’s offices,” he said.

He added that he initiated free and compulsory education in the state and promoted religious inclusion by sponsoring over 5,800 Muslims and 12,000 to 15,000 Christians on pilgrimages to Mecca, Rome, and Jerusalem.

The Senate President also cautioned against the divisive use of social media, describing it as largely unregulated and often exploited to mislead the public.

Akpabio concluded his remarks with a pointed message to opposition leaders: “Resolve your party issues first before aspiring to lead Nigeria.”