Tinubu’s Second Term Will Be a Unity Government, Says Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said President Bola Tinubu’s second term will be a unity government, citing the broad political representation in the newly constituted All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.

Akpabio made the remarks during plenary on Wednesday while reacting to comments by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the inauguration of the campaign council, which features prominent political figures from different parties, including members of the opposition.

He described the development as historic, noting that it was unprecedented since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 for a sitting president’s campaign council to bring together representatives of several political parties.

According to Akpabio, the initiative goes beyond inclusive governance in infrastructure, revenue allocation and reforms, extending to a shared commitment to national unity and democratic progress.

“This is not just an inclusive government in terms of infrastructure, revenue allocation and reforms. It is also an inclusive government in terms of unity of purpose in democracy,” he said.

The Senate President added that the composition of the campaign council offered an indication of the kind of administration Nigerians could expect if Tinubu secured a second term.

He described the council as a broad coalition involving almost all political parties in the country and said the development could serve as an example for other African nations.

Akpabio congratulated Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and leaders of the political parties participating in the campaign council.

He also commended Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike for their involvement in the council.

Akpabio argued that political affiliation should not be the sole determinant of an individual’s contribution to national development, expressing optimism that the participation of leaders from different political backgrounds would bring diverse ideas to governance.

“I can imagine how even a professor and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Soludo, will add his ideas to the next administration so that Nigeria will be better,” he said.

Earlier, Bamidele described the composition of the campaign council as a significant political development, highlighting the participation of leaders associated with the APC, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party.

He disclosed that Soludo would serve as a state coordinator representing APGA, while Adeleke would represent the Accord Party as a state coordinator. Wike, a former Rivers State governor and current FCT minister, was named campaign coordinator for the Federal Capital Territory.

Bamidele said the coalition demonstrated a willingness among political actors to work across party lines in what he described as the best interests of Nigerians.

He expressed hope that the campaign would prioritise ideas and strengthen democratic values.

“We look forward to a campaign that will celebrate ideas and strengthen our democracy,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who represents Benue South under the PDP, seconded the motion for adjournment.

The Senate subsequently adjourned its proceedings until Thursday.