Akpabio Urges Unity Among Politicians for National Development
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has intensified his calls for unity and cooperation among politicians across Nigeria, asserting that the nation can only truly develop when sectional and partisan interests are set aside. This message was prominently delivered on Saturday, July 26, 2025, during a high-profile wedding ceremony in Gombe, which saw a convergence of political figures from various parties.
Key Instances and Themes of Akpabio's Calls for Cooperation:
Gombe Wedding Event (July 26, 2025): At the wedding of Hafsat Dankwambo, daughter of Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe North, PDP), Akpabio used the occasion to stress the importance of political unity. Hosted by the Gombe State Government, the event attracted over 70 lawmakers from different political affiliations. Akpabio remarked, "We see people including those from PDP, this is how leadership should be. We should be united. This marriage does not know political party... Your excellency, I thank you for hosting us and I thank you for choosing us across political lines." He emphasized that "Nigeria would develop when sectional interests are removed."
Senate-Executive Collaboration: Akpabio has repeatedly advocated for a harmonious working relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government. In a documentary marking two years of the Bola Tinubu administration (May 2025), Akpabio stated that lawmakers were "not elected to fight the executive, but to foster policies that promote national development." He emphasized that the "cordial relationship" between the National Assembly and the Presidency is rooted in a "shared commitment to development."
Cross-Party Alliances for Governance: Beyond the Executive, Akpabio has also sought to build political alliances and cooperation within various regions. For instance, in July 2025, he symbolically handed over the leadership structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State to Governor Umo Eno (PDP), marking a "pivotal moment" for unity and growth in the state. This move was seen as an effort to align state and federal interests and unlock federal support for Akwa Ibom.
Regional Integration (ECOWAS Parliament, May 2025): Speaking at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Akpabio urged West African leaders to deepen regional integration and confront economic and security challenges collectively. He emphasized that "economic stability cannot flourish without political stability" and called for vigilance in defending democratic institutions and promoting good governance across the region.
International Parliamentary Collaboration (China, Morocco): Akpabio has also extended this call for cooperation to international parliamentary relations, seeking enhanced collaboration between Nigeria's parliament and those of China (November 2024, April 2025) and Morocco (July 2025). He views parliamentary engagement as a crucial pathway to fostering stronger diplomatic, trade, and legislative ties, and learning from other nations' developmental experiences.
Addressing Insecurity (Plateau State, July 2025): During a funeral service in Jos, Plateau State, Akpabio pledged decisive collaboration between the Senate and security agencies to end the persistent killings in the state. Responding to an appeal from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Akpabio assured that the Senate would "not remain indifferent" and would ensure the travails of the people receive "needed attention and response from the relevant agencies."
Challenges to Akpabio's Call:
Despite Akpabio's consistent messaging on cooperation, there have been reports of internal disquiet within the Senate leadership. Sources suggest that discord following Akpabio's emergence as Senate President in 2023 remains unresolved, with some principal officers expressing concern over what they perceive as his "overbearing leadership." A recent incident regarding the Senate's annual recess, which reportedly surprised several principal officers, highlighted these underlying tensions.
Nonetheless, Akpabio's public stance remains focused on bridging political divides for the sake of national progress, a message he reiterates across various platforms and engagements.
