By Osordi Ayomide
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has linked the recent surge in terrorist attacks across Nigeria to what he described as a coordinated attempt to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Akpabio made the remark on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service Headquarters, where he expressed confidence in the President’s leadership despite mounting security challenges.
According to him, the wave of violence is being deliberately orchestrated to distract the administration, suggesting that the attacks could subside after the 2027 general elections.
“Believe me, Mr President, shortly after the elections, these incidents will reduce. There are forces trying to derail your progress, but you are doing remarkably well,” he stated.
His comments come amid heightened security concerns nationwide, including a recent airstrike that reportedly claimed over 100 civilian lives, as well as fresh advisories from the United States authorising the voluntary evacuation of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Monday held a closed-door meeting with Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, and a visiting French military official at the Presidential Villa, an engagement sources say is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security cooperation and combat insurgency.
Akpabio also weighed in on allegations of bias involving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing claims linked to a controversial social media post.
He maintained that the statement attributed to the INEC chairman was taken out of context, noting that it predated his appointment and did not indicate support for any political party.
While defending the electoral umpire, Akpabio emphasised the need for neutrality in public office, stressing that those entrusted with national responsibilities must act in the interest of all Nigerians.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security threats, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, as well as other emerging challenges across the country.
