Akpabio Claims Tinubu’s Social Media Critics Are Paid, Urges Youths to Mobilise for 2027

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that some people attacking President Bola Tinubu and his supporters on social media are being paid, as he urged northern youths to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the President’s re-election in 2027.

Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja when members of the Arewa Revival Project, a youth group drawing members from 19 northern states, visited his office. The delegation was led by the group’s coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim, and presented him with an award in recognition of his contributions to nation-building.

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According to Akpabio, the youths should take the administration’s message to their communities and explain what he described as the benefits of continuity in government.

Akpabio Alleges Payment for Online Criticism

The Senate President urged the group to engage young Nigerians periodically to counter what he described as misinformation about the Tinubu administration.

“It is not going to be easy for you because most of those who are attacking the President and attacking these young men on social media are being paid. You are not being paid,” Akpabio said.

He advised the youths to organise discussions with their peers and encourage them to assess the government’s policies and performance.

“You may not be able to have the kind of energy and time with them. But once in a while, gather the youth together and let them see the truth and know the truth,” he added.

Akpabio’s allegation about payments to social media critics was not accompanied by supporting evidence in the account of his remarks.

Senate President Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

The former Akwa Ibom State governor defended the administration’s economic policies, including its tax reforms, arguing that Tinubu was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil.

“I expect the Nigerian youth to rise above social media propaganda because this President has managed to take us out of a mono-economy, an economy that was dependent only on crude oil,” he said.

He also praised the administration for introducing what he described as innovations through tax reforms and changes to outdated laws.

Akpabio further claimed that no Nigerian President since independence had matched Tinubu’s achievements. He said members of the National Assembly were proud of the administration and had endorsed the President for a second term.

The statement reflects Akpabio’s position on the administration’s performance and Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Akpabio Predicts State Police Within a Month

On security, Akpabio expressed optimism that Nigeria could establish a state police system soon, saying the constitutional amendment process was approaching completion.

“As I speak with you now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, it may not take us a month before we have a State Police system, decentralised policing in the country,” he said.

He claimed that about 30 states had endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment intended to introduce state police, which he said would help improve national security.

However, the timeline remains Akpabio’s prediction. The establishment of state police depends on the completion of the relevant constitutional amendment process and other necessary legal steps.

Urges Youths to Campaign Amid Insecurity

Akpabio also assured the visiting youths that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, expressing confidence that the situation would improve.

“I always tell them that the devil that you see today, you will soon see them no more. Very soon, we shall overcome the insecurity that we face today. So feel confident as you go round campaigning,” he said.

He encouraged the group to continue its grassroots engagement as political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election gathers attention.

The meeting combined a call for support for Tinubu’s re-election with Akpabio’s defence of the administration’s economic policies and his optimism about the proposed state police system.