Akpabio Mocks PDP as 'Dead,' Sparks Political Backlash
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reignited political tensions by suggesting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer active, prompting a swift rebuttal from the party.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked fresh political controversy after appearing to mock the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating he did not know the party was still in existence. The remarks, reported by Naija News, were made on July 1, 2026, and quickly drew a response from the party, which affirmed it remains active and politically relevant.
Akpabio, who left the PDP to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), further clarified his position days later, saying, 'I was in the wrong party.' His comments, interpreted as both a personal justification and a broader political jab, have intensified debate over party loyalty and realignment in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. The Senate President’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between factions of Nigeria’s major political parties ahead of future elections.
The PDP swiftly responded to Akpabio’s remarks, rejecting the notion that the party is defunct. 'PDP is alive,' the party declared in a statement reported by Naija News on July 1, 2026, pushing back against Akpabio’s implication of its irrelevance. The exchange underscores the continued rivalry between the PDP and APC, particularly as former members like Akpabio take prominent roles in the ruling party.
While Akpabio did not explicitly call for the party’s dissolution, his comments reflect broader sentiments within Nigeria’s political class about shifting allegiances and the changing fortunes of established parties. The PDP, once the dominant political force in Nigeria, has seen a decline in electoral influence since the rise of the APC in 2015, though it maintains a presence in several states and continues to contest national offices.