Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that individuals attacking President Bola Tinubu and his supporters on social media are being paid. He made this statement during a meeting with members of the Arewa Revival Project, a northern youth organisation with representatives from the 19 northern states, at his office in Abuja. The delegation, led by its coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim, presented an award to Akpabio in recognition of his contributions to nation-building.
Akpabio encouraged the group to take its support for Tinubu beyond social media and into communities across the North. He warned that those campaigning for the President online could face strong opposition from people critical of the administration. The Senate President claimed that some of those attacking Tinubu and his supporters had financial backing, while the young people supporting the government were doing so without payment.
Akpabio urged the Arewa Revival Project not to allow online criticism to discourage its political activities ahead of the 2027 general election. He advised members to organise meetings, engage young people directly, and explain why they believe the current administration should remain in office for another term. The Senate President also cautioned the youths against spending all their time responding to critics on social media.
Instead, Akpabio suggested that face-to-face engagement at the grassroots would be a more effective way to communicate the administration's policies and convince voters to support Tinubu. He defended Tinubu's policies, arguing that the administration was working to move Nigeria away from excessive dependence on crude oil revenue. The former Akwa Ibom State governor pointed to the government's tax reforms and efforts to review outdated laws as measures intended to strengthen the economy.
Akpabio expressed confidence in Tinubu's performance, insisting that the President had recorded significant achievements since taking office in May 2023. He maintained that the administration needed more time to consolidate its policies and allow their intended benefits to become evident. The Senate President further claimed that the National Assembly was satisfied with the President's performance and had endorsed his ambition to seek a second term in office.
Akpabio also expressed optimism about efforts to address Nigeria's security challenges. He pointed to the proposed establishment of state police as one of the measures that could strengthen security across the country. According to reports, about 30 state Houses of Assembly had endorsed the constitutional amendment required to introduce state police. Akpabio encouraged the northern youths to remain confident as they mobilised support for Tinubu.
The Senate President linked the need for political continuity with the administration's economic and security plans. He maintained that the government was working to address the country's difficulties and urged the group to communicate that position to Nigerians. Mustafa Ibrahim earlier explained the reasons for the group's visit and its decision to honour Akpabio, citing his contributions to national development and leadership of the National Assembly.
Key points
- Akpabio alleges that people attacking President Tinubu online are being paid.
- Akpabio urges northern youths to secure Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
- Akpabio expresses confidence in Tinubu's performance and the administration's economic and security plans.
