Sort Out LP Crisis Before Targeting Presidency – Akpabio Warns Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential contender, has come under fire from Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his recent remark that “the labor of our heroes past is all in vain.”

If Obi is unable to address internal party issues, Akpabio claims he lacks the moral capacity to lead Nigeria.

Speaking Wednesday in Abuja during a Senate chamber valedictory session honoring the late elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information Chief Edwin Clark, Akpabio made the statements.

In a subtle jab at Obi, Akpabio remarked: “How can you handle the Boko Haram situation or other significant national issues if you can’t handle the turmoil within your Labour Party? I urge Nigerian leaders to deal with their party’s internal problems.

The Senate President’s remark was made the day after Obi in Abuja gave a memorial lecture honoring the late Clark.
While praising Clark’s history of bravery and selflessness, Obi bemoaned the current situation in Nigeria in his remarks. The circumstances of today, he contended, have rendered the efforts of prior leaders such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and General Yakubu Gowon pointless.

Obi also criticized the Nigerian government for a lack of civic involvement and accountability, pointing out that instead of large-scale protests during Jonathan’s presidency, there were no public protests over the recent increases in petrol prices.

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According to him, Nigerian democracy was in decline, and he was frequently accused of “demonizing the country” for raising his voice.

Akpabio, however, brushed Obi’s comments aside as being out of context and proposed that handling internal party matters is the first step towards leadership.

Speaking about his record, Akpabio emphasized his accomplishments while serving as the previous governor of Akwa Ibom State. “The dualized thoroughfares in my city, the international hospitals, and the digitalized governor’s offices are things I can proudly talk about,” he remarked.

“I started free and mandatory education in the state and encouraged religious inclusion by sponsoring more than 5,800 Muslims and 12,000 to 15,000 Christians on pilgrimages to Mecca, Rome, and Jerusalem,” he continued.

Additionally, the Senate President issued a warning against the divisive use of social media, characterizing it as mainly unregulated and frequently used to deceive the people.

Akpabio sent a clear warning to opposition leaders as he wrapped up his speech: “Resolve your party issues first before aspiring to lead Nigeria.”