Akpabio Mocks PDP: Says No “Sane Politician” Would Join the Party

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that no “sane” Nigerian politician would contemplate joining the opposition party in its current state.

Akpabio made the remark on Wednesday during the Senate’s screening of Professor Joash Amupitan, the nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Senate President’s comment came in response to a submission by Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP–Bayelsa West), who noted that no political party or candidate contested the outcome of the last presidential election in Ghana.

Akpabio, in a lighthearted exchange, recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan also did not challenge the result of the 2015 presidential election conducted by INEC, adding that the electoral body had shown significant improvement over the years.

However, Dickson quickly reminded Akpabio that the 2015 election took place under a PDP-led government.

Responding, Akpabio quipped.

“At that time, the PDP was still intact. But today, the party has been torn to shreds. There is no sane person who will even think of joining such a platform now.”

His remark drew laughter across the chamber, underscoring the widening cracks within the opposition party, which has continued to battle internal wrangling and defections since the 2023 general elections.

Observers say Akpabio’s comment reflects the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s confidence ahead of the 2027 polls, amid growing uncertainty within the PDP’s ranks.