Akpabio Debases Coalition Party, Says "You Can’t Be in Two Political Parties at the Same Time, It is Deceptive and legally Impractical"
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has debased the newly formed opposition coalition party describing the political alignments as “unrealistic” under Nigeria’s current electoral laws.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports that Akpabio made the remarks while speaking during the House of Representatives Open Week in Abuja, where he underscored that only political parties, not individuals or coalitions, can field candidates for elective positions.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State described the recent coalition moves as mere political theatrics.
In his words, "You can’t be in two political parties at the same time. It is deceptive and legally impractical."
Akpabio also used the occasion to address public expectations placed on legislators, clarifying that the constitutional role of lawmakers is to make laws, not execute infrastructural projects.
He further emphasized that “People must understand that the duty of lawmakers is not to build roads or hospitals. That’s the role of the executive,” he stressed.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, provided an update on the ongoing constitutional amendment process during the event.
He announced that 10 per cent of legislative seats will be reserved for women, while 5 per cent will be set aside for persons with disabilities in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Abbas described the move as part of a broader efforts to enhance inclusion and representation in Nigeria’s political space, adding that the amendment process is progressing.
The proposed adjustments, if passed, are expected to reshape Nigeria’s legislative landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s comment comes in the wake of a high-profile opposition meeting held last Wednesday, July 2, 2027, in Abuja, where leaders of various political backgrounds endorsed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for the 2027 general elections.
It would be recalled that the coalition appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary.
Prominent attendees included Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Peter Obi, Gabriel Suswam, Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and Sadique Abubakar, among others.
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