Akpabio Says Tinubu’s Second Term Will Be Unity Government

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

Akpabio made the statement during Wednesday’s plenary session while reacting to comments by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the planned inauguration of the presidential campaign council, which includes political leaders from parties other than the APC.

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

“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,” Akpabio said.

According to him, the composition of the campaign council indicates that Tinubu’s second term would prioritise national unity and cooperation across political divides.

“What we are going to witness is evidence that his second term is going to be a unity government, just like his campaign council is a unity campaign council made up of almost all the political parties in the country,” he stated.

Akpabio added that Nigeria was setting an example for other African countries through the initiative.

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

The Senate President also commended political leaders joining the council, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

He argued that their participation demonstrated that governance and public service were not determined solely by political party affiliation but also by the competence and contributions of individuals.

Akpabio expressed optimism that Soludo, an economist and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, would contribute valuable ideas towards improving the country’s development.

“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.

“This is the way Nigeria should be,” he added.

Earlier, Bamidele had described the composition of the presidential campaign council as a significant political development, citing the involvement of governors and other political leaders from different parties.

He said Soludo would serve as a state coordinator representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while Adeleke would represent the Accord Party as a state coordinator in Osun State.

Bamidele also identified Wike, a former Rivers State governor and serving FCT minister, as the campaign coordinator for the Federal Capital Territory, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Mr President, let me also congratulate you and members of the ruling APC, APGA, PDP and Accord Party in this chamber because, as we leave this chamber, something historic is about to happen,” Bamidele said.

He added that the planned inauguration of the campaign council at 2 p.m. would bring together political figures from different parties in support of Tinubu’s political campaign.

Describing the arrangement as a “rainbow coalition,” the Senate Leader said the initiative reflected a willingness among political actors to work together in the interest of Nigerians.

“My point, Mr President, is that, in the best interests of Nigerians, a rainbow coalition is indeed on the move,” he said.

Bamidele further expressed hope that the campaign would focus on policy ideas, democratic values and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy rather than political divisions.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who represents Benue South Senatorial District on the PDP platform, seconded the motion for adjournment.

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