Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismisses Peter Obi’s critiques, arguing that failure to resolve Labour Party’s internal crisis undermines his credibility to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio launched a scathing critique against Labour Party (LP) leader Peter Obi on Thursday, asserting that the former presidential candidate’s inability to resolve his party’s internal disputes disqualifies him from proposing solutions to Nigeria’s broader governance challenges.
The remarks came during a heated exchange at a national dialogue on democratic governance in Abuja, where Akpabio questioned Obi’s credibility as an opposition leader.
“How can a man who cannot manage the conflicts within his own party claim to have answers for Nigeria’s complex problems?” Akpabio asked, referencing the Labour Party’s prolonged leadership crisis and factional disputes.
Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, has remained a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly on economic policies and security matters.
However, Akpabio’s comments highlight growing political tensions as opposition figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in internal strife since its surprisingly strong performance in the last general elections, with competing factions claiming control of the party’s leadership.
Political analysts suggest these divisions have weakened Obi’s platform as he continues to challenge government policies.
In response, Obi’s camp dismissed Akpabio’s remarks as diversionary tactics.
“Rather than address Nigeria’s collapsing economy and security failures, the Senate President chooses to attack critics,” said Yunusa Tanko, chief spokesman for Obi’s campaign.
The exchange underscores deepening political polarization in Nigeria as economic hardships and security concerns dominate national discourse.
With the next election cycle approaching, observers anticipate intensified clashes between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition voices like Obi’s Labour Party.
