By Adesakin Adefemi
President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday said the recent surge in insecurity across Nigeria is politically motivated and connected to the 2027 general elections, alleging that the violence is being sponsored to distract President Bola Tinubu.
Akpabio made the claim while delivering a goodwill message at the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service headquarters in Abuja. He argued that some actors are fueling attacks because they do not know what else to do, adding that the president is performing well in many areas.
“You’re seeing insecurity today, and it’s even increasing because the election is coming. As soon as election is over, for the first two weeks you will not hear a single bomb blast because people are sponsoring it to distract you,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also cited growing political alignment with Tinubu. He stated that the president came into office with 18 governors and now has almost 32 governors under his fold out of 36. Akpabio questioned how opponents plan to win an election without structure.
He referenced controversy over an X account allegedly operated by INEC chairman Joash Amupitan. Akpabio dismissed claims of bias in the electoral process, noting that the tweet in question did not specify victory for any party and that Amupitan was only a lecturer at the time. INEC has since denied that its chairman owned or operated the account.
“For me, whether manipulated or not, he said victory is sure. He was not chairman of INEC then. He was just a lecturer, and anybody can support whoever he wishes to,” Akpabio said.
The remarks come amid heightened security concerns nationwide. President Tinubu on Monday held a closed-door meeting with security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff and heads of intelligence agencies, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to address the situation.
In the North-East, a recent Nigerian Air Force airstrike reportedly resulted in civilian casualties alongside suspected insurgents, drawing criticism from rights groups. Separately, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was killed in an attack on a military formation in Borno State on April 9, 2026. Another incident on Monday claimed the lives of a colonel and several soldiers.
The security situation has also drawn international attention. The United States Department of State has authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja over safety concerns.
