Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s kinsmen have strongly rejected allegations by social media activist Haruna Gololo, who claimed in a viral video that Akpabio made divisive remarks against Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections. The Isong Annang Ethnic Forum in Akwa Ibom State said it investigated the claims and found no evidence, describing them as fabricated attempts to tarnish Akpabio’s image.
In a statement signed by its leaders, the forum insisted Akpabio never suggested that President Bola Tinubu could win “with or without the North.” They described him as a respected nationalist whose political record demonstrates deep respect for Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity. The group urged Gololo to provide proof of his allegations and called on Arewa leaders to disregard what they termed a campaign of calumny.
The controversy was triggered by Gololo’s video, which circulated widely online and accused Akpabio of disrespecting the North. The forum countered that such remarks were never made and warned against divisive propaganda aimed at creating disaffection among ethnic groups as the 2027 elections approach. They emphasized that Akpabio’s leadership style, dating back to his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom, reflects a commitment to unity and national cohesion.
Reaffirming their position, the forum pledged solidarity with both Tinubu and Akpabio, urging Northern elites to support Tinubu’s second‑term bid in the interest of fairness and the preservation of political cooperation between North and South. They stressed that unity and mutual understanding remain essential for Nigeria’s stability, framing the allegations as a deliberate attempt to sow discord ahead of the polls.
