Tinubu Concerned Over PDP and Labour Party Crisis, Wants Stronger Opposition – Akpabio

President Tinubu is reportedly unhappy with the disarray within PDP and Labour Party, says Senate President Akpabio, calling for a stronger, organized opposition in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, PDP crisis, Labour Party defection, Nigerian opposition politics, Senator Neda Imasuen, APC gains, Nigerian democracy, strong opposition in Nigeria, political defection in Nigeria

President Tinubu Seeks Stronger Opposition as PDP and Labour Party Crumble

President Bola Tinubu has expressed disappointment over the ongoing internal crises within Nigeria’s major opposition parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP). According to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who spoke on Tinubu’s behalf at the inauguration of the Arterial Road N20 Interchange Bridges in Abuja, the president believes a vibrant and functional opposition is crucial for Nigeria’s democracy.

Akpabio made it clear that Tinubu’s concern stems from a democratic perspective, not political rivalry. “President Bola Tinubu GCFR is very interested in seeing a vibrant opposition. It saddens him when he sees the way the opposition is in disarray,” he stated, criticizing both PDP and LP for their lack of internal unity.

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Nigerian Opposition Politics in Crisis: PDP and Labour Party in Disarray

Akpabio specifically mentioned that both the PDP and LP are suffering from internal cracks. “Just before I came here to represent the president, I received a letter from the Labour Party. So it’s not only PDP that’s in disarray; even the Labour Party is cracked,” he said.

He challenged the leadership capacity of politicians from these parties, questioning how they intend to govern Nigeria when they can’t maintain order within their own platforms. This remark further ignited discussions around the quality and readiness of opposition parties to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akpabio emphasized that President Tinubu wants the opposition to be strong—not silenced—because a dynamic political system needs counterbalances and policy alternatives to thrive.

Senator Neda Imasuen’s Defection to APC Signals Labour Party Crisis

Adding weight to the president’s concerns, Akpabio announced the defection of Senator Neda Imasuen from the Labour Party to the APC. He explained that he personally handled the defection ceremony in the Senate chamber earlier in the day.

“Senator Neda Imasuen just decamped this afternoon from the Labour Party and moved from the left-hand side of the Senate to the right-hand side,” Akpabio said, underscoring the symbolic significance of the switch. He added, “I’m happy to receive them because our doors are open in the All Progressives Congress.”

This defection is a blow to the Labour Party and further illustrates the instability within Nigeria’s opposition ranks. It also reflects APC’s increasing political leverage in the Senate and across the country.

Tinubu’s Call for Political Stability and Constructive Opposition

Despite representing the ruling party, Tinubu’s stance—as articulated by Akpabio—shows an unusual yet principled position in Nigerian politics: encouraging a healthier, more competitive democratic space. Akpabio’s comments are seen as a challenge to opposition parties to put their houses in order and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s political discourse.

As the ruling APC gains ground, partly due to these internal opposition crises, Tinubu’s administration could either benefit from a weakened opposition or, as suggested, help foster a better democratic structure through inclusive politics.

In a country grappling with economic reform, security challenges, and citizen discontent, Nigerians are increasingly demanding not just action from the ruling party but also credible alternatives from opposition voices. For the PDP and LP to regain public confidence, restructuring, clear messaging, and strategic unity will be imperative.