Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sharply criticised Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he lacks the moral authority to govern Nigeria if he cannot resolve the internal crisis plaguing his party.
Akpabio made the comments during a valedictory session in the Senate chamber in honour of late elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark. Responding to Obi’s recent remarks that “the labour of our heroes past is all in vain,” Akpabio said leadership must begin with the ability to manage one’s political platform.
In a direct comment aimed at Obi, Akpabio stated, “If you cannot resolve the crisis in your Labour Party, how can you solve the crisis of Boko Haram or other major national issues.”
The Senate President said that anyone hoping to lead the country should first demonstrate competence by fixing problems within their own party.
Obi had made his comments the previous day at Clark’s memorial lecture, where he praised the late leader’s courage but condemned Nigeria’s current democratic state. He argued that the efforts of past leaders like Yakubu Gowon and Goodluck Jonathan had been undermined by today’s leadership failures. He also highlighted the public’s silence over recent fuel price hikes compared to widespread protests during Jonathan’s administration.
Akpabio dismissed these criticisms, describing them as lacking perspective. He used the opportunity to highlight his own achievements as former governor of Akwa Ibom State, including road infrastructure, international hospitals, a digitalised state government, and free compulsory education. He also noted that his administration sponsored thousands of Muslims and Christians on pilgrimages abroad.
He warned about the negative role of unregulated social media in shaping public opinion and concluded with a final message to opposition leaders: “Resolve your party issues first before aspiring to lead Nigeria.”
