Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against placing hope in political coalitions, describing such arrangements as unrealistic within the country's electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the House of Representatives Open Week in Abuja, Akpabio emphasized that only political parties, not individuals or coalitions, are legally empowered to contest elections in Nigeria.
"Nigerians, don't be deceived. Coalition politics is unrealistic. The notion of a person aligning with two political parties at once is not only unconstitutional but misleading," the Senate President stated.
Akpabio's comments come in the wake of a significant opposition coalition meeting held on Wednesday, July 2, in Abuja, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was adopted as the official platform for the opposition's 2027 election bid.
The high-profile coalition meeting saw the appointment of former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. Notable attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, among other political heavyweights.
During the same event, Akpabio also addressed what he described as misplaced expectations placed on lawmakers by the public. He clarified that the primary responsibility of legislators is to make laws, not to undertake infrastructure development projects.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, provided an update on the ongoing constitutional amendment process, revealing that 10 percent of seats in both the Senate and House would be reserved for women, while 5 percent would be allocated to persons with disabilities.
The Senate President's warning highlights the growing political maneuvering as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures seeking to form a united front against the ruling party.
Stay updated on Nigeria's political developments by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
