Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to address ongoing leadership disputes within his party before considering another shot at Nigeria’s presidency.
Akpabio made the remarks on Thursday during a valedictory session in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, at the National Assembly. He stated that Obi’s aspirations for national leadership ring hollow amid unresolved internal tensions rocking the Labour Party.
“If you can’t resolve the crisis in your small party, how do you intend to solve Nigeria’s bigger problems like Boko Haram?” Akpabio said. He also cautioned political aspirants against using social media to deepen political divisions, adding that effective leadership starts from within.
The Senate President contrasted Obi’s performance with his own tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, citing achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and interfaith harmony as proof of his leadership capabilities.
Akpabio’s comments came in response to Obi’s earlier criticism during his tribute to Clark, where the former Anambra State governor lamented the deteriorating state of the nation and described Nigeria’s economic conditions as a betrayal of past national sacrifices.
In a related development, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also rebuked Obi for questioning the credibility of the state’s September 2024 governorship election. Through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo described Obi’s comments as “baseless, disrespectful, and politically motivated.”
He called on Obi to respect the democratic choice of Edo voters and avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could destabilize the state.
