Akpabio Challenges Peter Obi to Resolve Labour Party Crisis Before Aspiring to Lead Nigeria
Abuja, May 8, 2025 – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly challenged former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi to focus on resolving the ongoing internal crises within his party before aspiring to govern Nigeria. Akpabio’s remarks came during a valedictory session held in honour of the late Niger Delta elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark.
Akpabio’s Sharp Rebuke
Addressing the gathering, Akpabio took a pointed jab at Obi, questioning his moral authority to lead the country while his own party remains embroiled in leadership disputes. He said:
“If you cannot even resolve the crisis in that Labour Party, is it the crisis of Boko Haram that you will come and resolve in Nigeria? Those who are aspiring as presidential candidates should stop using social media to sow division. Tell them to fix the small party they have before dreaming of governing the entire country.”
Akpabio contrasted Obi’s criticisms of the Nigerian government with his own record as a former governor, highlighting achievements such as infrastructure development, international hospitals, free and compulsory education, and fostering religious unity through sponsoring pilgrimages.
“I can tell you about the dualised roads in my city, the international hospitals, free and compulsory education, and the unity I brought by sponsoring thousands to Jerusalem and Mecca,” Akpabio stated.
Context: Obi’s Criticism and Tribute
The challenge followed Obi’s recent tribute to Chief Edwin Clark during a memorial lecture in Abuja, where Obi lamented the state of Nigeria, suggesting that the sacrifices of past leaders had been rendered futile by current challenges. He criticized the government’s lack of accountability and civic engagement, pointing to the absence of public protests over recent fuel price hikes as evidence of political apathy.
Calls for Responsible Leadership
Akpabio urged political aspirants, including Obi, to demonstrate responsible leadership by first addressing issues within their parties rather than focusing solely on national problems. He condemned the use of social media to foment division and called for unity and maturity in political discourse.
Reactions and Criticism
The Senate President’s remarks have sparked debate. Activist Moses Paul, convener of the Free Nigeria Movement, criticized Akpabio for what he described as political hypocrisy, urging him to reflect on his own political record before lecturing others on leadership.
Paul stated:
“Akpabio should be the last man to lecture anyone on leadership… No amount of orchestrated chaos within the Labour Party could erase the will of the Nigerian people.”
He added that Obi embodies hope for many Nigerians and that attempts to distract him from national conversations have failed.
Summary
Akpabio’s challenge underscores the intense political rivalry and ongoing struggles within Nigeria’s opposition parties ahead of future elections. His call for internal party reform before national leadership ambitions highlights the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape.
