In a shocking revelation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied ever being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Akpabio made this statement on Tuesday, September 27, 2026, during a plenary session of the Senate. He described himself as a "progressive" and claimed that he had always played progressive politics in his life. This statement has sparked controversy, given Akpabio's past political history.
Akpabio served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015 and was the Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum. He later won an election to the Senate in 2015 and served as the Minority Leader of the Senate from 2015 to 2018. During his time in the Senate, Akpabio was a member of the PDP. However, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August 2018. Akpabio's denial of PDP membership has raised questions about his past political affiliations.
The controversy began when Senator Jibrin Isah, representing Kogi-East, raised a motion of urgent public importance to honour the memory of late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, a former governor of Kogi State. Isah mentioned that Akpabio, Idris, and himself were members of the PDP. However, Akpabio interrupted Isah, insisting that he was never a member of the PDP. Isah had also noted that Idris was the governor of Kogi State from May 29, 2003, to January 27, 2012, the longest in the state's history.
The late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris passed away on September 20, 2026. The Senate eventually passed Isah's motion and observed a minute's silence in honour of the late governor. Akpabio's denial of PDP membership has sparked debate among politicians and the general public. Many are questioning the reasons behind Akpabio's denial, given his past affiliations with the PDP.
Akpabio's statement has also raised questions about his political ideology. As a self-described "progressive," Akpabio has claimed that he has always played progressive politics. However, his past actions and affiliations suggest otherwise. Akpabio's defection to the APC in 2018 was seen as a significant move, given his previous affiliation with the PDP.
The Senate President's denial of PDP membership has also sparked reactions from various stakeholders. While some have supported Akpabio's statement, others have expressed skepticism. The development has highlighted the complexities of Nigerian politics, where politicians' affiliations and ideologies are often subject to scrutiny.
The incident has also raised questions about the accuracy of public records and official biographies. Akpabio's past affiliations with the PDP are well-documented, and it remains to be seen how this controversy will be resolved. The development has sparked a national debate about the nature of politics in Nigeria and the extent to which politicians' past affiliations shape their current ideologies.
Key points
- Akpabio denies ever being a member of the PDP despite serving as a PDP governor and senator.
- The controversy began when Senator Jibrin Isah mentioned Akpabio's past affiliation with the PDP during a motion to honour late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
- Akpabio's denial has sparked debate among politicians and the general public, with many questioning the reasons behind his denial.
