The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has taken exception to Senate President Godswill Akpabio's recent denial of ever being a member of the party. The PDP described Akpabio's claim as "laughable" and "ridiculous," considering he gained national prominence as a governor under the party. Akpabio had stated on the Senate floor that he was never a member of the PDP, claiming his name might have been on the party's register but his heart was not.
Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015 and was Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum before winning a Senate seat in 2015. He was the Minority Leader of the Senate from 2015 to 2018, a position he held after leaving office as Akwa Ibom governor in May 2015, until his defection from the PDP to the APC in August 2018. The PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, expressed disappointment in Akpabio's denial, stating that the party cherished and appreciated his contributions to its development.
Mohammed said Akpabio's claim that he was never a member of the PDP was ridiculous and contradictory, given that he was elected on the party's platform and had his name on its register. The PDP reminded Akpabio that things might change quickly, warning him that when the party takes over power, he might return to plead for another opportunity to contest an election on the PDP platform.
Akpabio's denial came after Senator Jibrin Isah mentioned that they used to be members of the PDP while moving a motion to honour the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, a former governor of Kogi State. Idris passed away on September 20, 2026. Isah recalled that Akpabio, Idris, and himself were PDP members, prompting Akpabio to interrupt and insist that he was never part of the party.
The PDP expressed that it respects and appreciates Akpabio's contributions to the party and democracy in Nigeria but finds his denial regrettable. Mohammed wished Akpabio well in his membership of the APC, advising him to enjoy his current party affiliation while it lasts.
The party also recalled that Akpabio described himself as a "progressive" and claimed to have always played progressive politics. This statement has sparked a reaction from the PDP, which feels Akpabio's denial is an attempt to distance himself from his past.
The development has generated mixed reactions, with many questioning Akpabio's change of heart. The PDP's reaction suggests that the party is not willing to let go of Akpabio without a fight, as they seem to be keeping the door open for his potential return.
Key points
- The PDP has described Akpabio's denial of being a member as laughable and ridiculous.
- Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015 under the PDP.
- The PDP has left the door open for Akpabio's potential return, warning him that things might change quickly.
