Akpabio Hails Tinubu, Credits Him for Senate Presidency Victory

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in ensuring his emergence as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly. He described Tinubu as a visionary leader whose contributions have shaped Nigeria’s political landscape.

Akpabio made these remarks on Saturday during a Special Iftar held in Abuja to celebrate Tinubu’s 73rd birthday. The Senate President expressed admiration for Tinubu’s leadership and predicted that, by the end of his tenure, he would be regarded as the most audacious and transformative president in Nigeria’s history.

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Tinubu’s Influence in Akpabio’s Emergence as Senate President

During the event, Akpabio acknowledged Tinubu’s role in the political process that led to his election as the leader of the Senate. He stated that Tinubu’s vision and strategic thinking were instrumental in his emergence.

“As the President of the 10th Senate, which you labored to produce, I have the privilege of working closely with you. I must say that your passion for Nigeria’s progress is remarkable and contagious,” Akpabio said.

He further emphasized that Tinubu’s boldness and courage would cement his legacy as a great leader.

“Your Excellency, your leadership, your vision, and dedication to a great Nigeria remain models that shall inspire future generations. By the time you finish your tenure, you will be the greatest and most audacious president Nigeria has ever had,” he added.

Akpabio credited Tinubu’s political career, which has been marked by numerous challenges, with shaping modern-day Lagos and now steering Nigeria toward a new era of progress and hope.

Tinubu’s Role in the Formation of APC and Buhari’s Victory

Akpabio also took the opportunity to highlight Tinubu’s critical role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which ended the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. He noted that Tinubu’s influence and support were key factors in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s electoral victories in 2015 and 2019.

“Sir, I want to acknowledge your indelible role in the formation of the APC in 2018, which successfully challenged the dominance of the then-Peoples Democratic Party in 2015. There is no doubt that your support was instrumental to the victories recorded by President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC in 2015 and 2019,” Akpabio said.

However, despite Tinubu’s contributions to the party’s success, Akpabio lamented that Buhari and the APC leadership sidelined him after he helped secure their victory.

Buhari and APC Leadership Allegedly Sidelined Tinubu

Akpabio revealed that Buhari and the APC leadership failed to include Tinubu in the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), effectively cutting him off from decision-making processes.

“Even though they failed to make you a NEC member, they still called you the leader of the party. The NEC takes all decisions, but you remained the leader outside the NEC,” Akpabio stated.

The Senate President expressed his dissatisfaction with how Tinubu was treated after working tirelessly to bring the APC to power.

Despite this, Akpabio commended Tinubu for his leadership since assuming office as Nigeria’s president.

Tinubu’s Leadership and Economic Reforms

Akpabio praised Tinubu’s governance style, emphasizing that he has demonstrated strong leadership qualities since becoming president. He pointed out that Tinubu’s advocacy for democratic values and bold economic reforms have already begun to yield positive results.

“As the President of Nigeria in the last two years, you have demonstrated astute leadership qualities. Your advocacy for democratic values and bold economic reforms is already showing dividends. I can boldly conclude that our country is on the right track with you in the driver’s seat,” he stated.

Akpabio concluded by offering his best wishes to the president and expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future under his leadership.

“Congratulations, Mr. President. May God bless you and continue to guide you as you lead our great nation.”

Political Implications of Akpabio’s Remarks

Akpabio’s speech reflects the deep political alliance between him and President Tinubu. His acknowledgment of Tinubu’s role in his Senate presidency suggests that the current National Assembly leadership is closely aligned with the president.

His criticism of the APC’s previous leadership under Buhari may also indicate a shift in the party’s internal dynamics. By highlighting how Tinubu was sidelined, Akpabio may be signaling a need for greater influence for the president in the party’s decision-making structures.

Furthermore, his praise for Tinubu’s economic reforms suggests that the Senate is likely to support the president’s policy agenda, reinforcing the idea that Tinubu enjoys strong backing from the legislative arm of government.

As Nigeria navigates economic challenges and political tensions, the close relationship between Tinubu and the National Assembly will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s direction.