Akpabio Rubbishies Opposition Party ; Says “No Sane Human Will Join PDP”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stirred political debate after declaring that “no sane human being” would consider joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Akpabio made the remark on Thursday during the Senate’s screening of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Senate President made the statement while responding to Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West, who had pointed out that no one challenged the results of Ghana’s recent presidential election.
In his reply, Akpabio referenced Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election, noting that former President Goodluck Jonathan did not contest the outcome, an example he said reflected the steady progress of INEC’s credibility. However, Senator Dickson reminded him that the election was held under a PDP-led administration.
Akpabio, undeterred, countered sharply, saying, “At that time, the PDP was still intact, but today, no sane person would even think of joining such a party.” His comment immediately drew murmurs across the chamber, highlighting the deepening political divide ahead of the next general elections.
The Senate President further recounted his personal experience in the 2019 elections, alleging that he was a victim of electoral malpractice. According to him, his votes were burned in his local government, and despite a court ruling that annulled the election and ordered prosecution, the wrong official was punished.
Akpabio expressed dismay that the returning officer—a University of Calabar professor—was jailed for three years, while the actual perpetrators, including an INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, were not held accountable.
He criticized the electoral system, urging lawmakers to ensure that future amendments to the Electoral Act compel INEC to take responsibility for irregularities. Akpabio insisted that true reform must ensure that the real offenders within the Commission are prosecuted to uphold electoral integrity in Nigeria.
