As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, kinsmen of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio have condemned comments by a social media activist Haruna Garba Gololo, describing them as inflammatory and capable of affecting national unity.
The group, operating under the banner of Isong Annang Ethnic Forum (IAEF), accused the activist of promoting narratives aimed at undermining the re-election prospects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Northern Nigeria through claims attributed to Akpabio.
Gololo, popularly known on social media as Garus Gololo, had circulated a post alleging that Akpabio stated that Tinubu would win the 2027 election regardless of northern support. However, the Senate President’s media team had earlier dismissed the claim and denied that Akpabio made such remarks.
Concerned about the potential impact of the controversy on relations between the people of Akwa Ibom State and Northern Nigerians, the Isong Annang Ethnic Forum convened an emergency meeting and issued a communique urging Nigerians to disregard what it described as politically motivated misinformation.
The communique was signed by the Forum’s National President, Prince Mendy Archibong, National Secretary Elder Mfon Ebong, and National Women Leader Emilia Udom.
The group reiterated its commitment to promoting unity among Annang people while encouraging peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups across Nigeria.
According to the Forum, its members reviewed the allegations circulated by Gololo and found no evidence supporting the claims attributed to Akpabio. The organization maintained that the Senate President had not made any statement intended to diminish the importance of Northern Nigeria’s role in President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign.
The Forum described Akpabio as a nationalist whose political career has reflected respect for Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. It highlighted his longstanding relationships with Northern leaders and communities, noting that he holds the traditional title of Dam Amana Azara in Nasarawa State and has consistently demonstrated appreciation for Northern culture.
The group also pointed to Akpabio’s tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015, during which he supported religious inclusiveness by sponsoring both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages. It further cited his political support for former President Muhammadu Buhari as evidence of his cordial relationship with Northern Nigeria.
The Forum argued that attempts to portray Akpabio as hostile to Northern interests amounted to political propaganda and warned against actions capable of creating divisions among Nigerians.
While expressing appreciation for the support Akpabio has received from lawmakers and political stakeholders across the country, particularly from the North, the group called on Northern leaders and organizations to reject campaigns it believes are intended to create ethnic and regional tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organization also appealed for continued political cooperation between Northern and Southern Nigeria and encouraged support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid as part of efforts to maintain the country’s power-sharing arrangement.
Reaffirming its support for both President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio, the Isong Annang Ethnic Forum pledged to continue promoting mutual understanding, national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
