Abuja:Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced that President Bola Tinubu’s second term will be a unity government, reflecting the diverse composition of his presidential campaign council. Akpabio made these remarks during a Senate plenary session while responding to comments by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele regarding the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, which includes members from opposition parties.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akpabio highlighted the historic nature of this development, noting that it is unprecedented for a sitting president to form a campaign council with representation from almost all political parties since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. He emphasized that the unity government would not only focus on infrastructure, revenue allocation, and reforms but would also promote democratic unity.
Akpabio further stated that the campaign council represents a broad coalition of political parties, indicating that Tinubu’s administration would follow suit. He praised Nigeria for setting an example for Africa and congratulated President Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the leaders of the participating political parties. Akpabio also acknowledged governors and political leaders, including Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, for their involvement in the campaign council, emphasizing that political performance is determined by individuals rather than party affiliation.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the APC campaign council’s composition as a historic development involving leaders from various parties. He noted that the council includes Soludo from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Adeleke from the Accord Party, and Wike, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as campaign coordinators for their respective regions. Bamidele expressed optimism about a campaign that would celebrate ideas and strengthen democracy.
The Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro seconded the motion for adjournment, highlighting the significance of the campaign council’s inauguration.