Tinubu’s second ​‌‍‍‍‍⁠⁠‍​‍‍‍​‌⁠​‌​term ‘ill be a unity government, says Akpabio

By Henry Umoru ABUJA — Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele have described the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid as a historic development, saying it reflects efforts to build a broad-based political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The two lawmakers spoke during plenary as the Senate prepared to adjourn proceedings ahead of the inauguration of the campaign council. Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the coalition involving leaders from different political parties could promote inclusive governance and strengthen the party’s preparations for the elections.

He said the initiative demonstrated that a broad political alliance was taking shape ahead of the 2027 presidential campaign. “My point, Mr President, is that in this country, in the best interests of the Nigerian people, a rainbow coalition indeed is on the move and very much on course,” Bamidele said. He noted that the campaign council included political figures affiliated with parties other than the APC, describing the arrangement as an opportunity to bring different perspectives into the campaign.

According to him, the council included Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bamidele said Soludo and Adeleke had been designated state coordinators, while Wike would coordinate the campaign in the FCT and Rivers State. He added that the campaign should focus on ideas and democratic values rather than political differences.

“We will proceed out of this chamber as members of the ruling party, accompanied by our colleagues, to go to the presidential campaign council. “We look forward to a campaign that will really celebrate ideas and celebrate our democracy. I really congratulate you, Mr President,” he said.

The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, representing Benue South, seconded the motion for adjournment. In his response, Akpabio described the planned campaign council as an uncommon development in Nigeria’s democratic experience since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He said the inclusion of political figures from different parties in the …

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Tinubu’s second term will be a unity government that will reflect the inclusive composition of his presidential campaign council. Akpabio said this at plenary on Wednesday while reacting to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s comments on the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, which included some members of the opposition parties. Akpabio described the development as historic, saying it was unprecedented since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999 for a sitting president to constitute a campaign council involving almost all political parties.