Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has attributed the rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria to heightened political activities ahead of forthcoming elections, expressing optimism that the situation will improve shortly after the 2027 polls.
Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during the official launch of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, where he commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what he described as strong performance.
According to him, individuals opposed to the current administration are allegedly sponsoring insecurity as part of efforts to undermine the government.
“Insecurity is increasing because elections are coming, because people don’t know what to do again. Immediately after the election—two weeks after—the insecurity will stop. The insecurity is being sponsored by people,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also took a swipe at the opposition, particularly Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, accusing opposition figures of being disorganised.
“The opposition is in disarray. Someone got six million votes and abandoned the party, abandoned the six million votes, and went shopping for another platform, and they are blaming the ruling party,” he stated.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the current administration, insisting that the government is on the right track.
Akpabio also praised the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, describing him as a tax administrator widely accepted by Nigerians.
“Even in the Bible, people don’t like tax collectors. Zacch has done very well, and Nigerians are happy with him,” he added.
Controversy Over INEC Alleged Bias
Addressing political tensions, Akpabio commented on the controversy surrounding the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over a 2023 tweet in which he allegedly expressed support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with the phrase “Victory is sure.”
Akpabio dismissed the allegations, stating that the comment was taken out of context and did not favour any political party.
“He did not say victory is sure for APC. He did not say victory is sure for PDP. He just said victory is sure,” he said.
He further clarified that Amupitan was not serving as INEC chairman at the time, but was acting in a personal capacity.
“He was not chairman of INEC. He was just a lecturer. Anybody can support anybody he wishes,” Akpabio explained.
Nonetheless, he emphasised the importance of neutrality among public office holders, particularly those in sensitive positions.
“When you are in office, you have to think of the entire country and all the people,” he added.
Remarks on FCT Governance
On governance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akpabio noted that infrastructure management is not directly controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that some responsibilities are handled by individuals linked to factional political leadership.
Dignitaries at the Event
The event was attended by top government officials, including President Bola Tinubu, who commissioned the complex. Others present included Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and several state governors, including Babagana Zulum, Charles Soludo, Caleb Mutfwang, Hope Uzodimma, and Usman Ododo.
About the NRS Headquarters
The newly inaugurated headquarters, described as a world-class facility, comprises 16 floors spread across three towers and is designed to accommodate about 3,000 personnel.
President Tinubu had earlier, in June 2025, signed the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, officially transforming the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) into the Nigerian Revenue Service.
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