‘PDP Was a mistake’ – Akpabio Claims APC Better Reflects His Political Ideals

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said on Friday that he realised he had been in the wrong political party during his years in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that he found where he truly belonged after joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akpabio made the remark during the inauguration of access roads leading to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in the Karsana District of the Federal Capital Territory. The event formed part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

His comments came after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, praised his performance during his time as governor of Akwa Ibom State under the PDP. Akpabio responded by saying the praise referred to a period before the APC was created and should not be linked to the present-day PDP.

The Senate President explained that he had already spent more than seven years as governor before the APC was formed in 2014. According to him, he later realised that his political beliefs were better suited to the APC, prompting him to leave the PDP and join the ruling party.

Akpabio also said the PDP had become divided over the years. While speaking about the party’s internal crisis, he described Wike as the leader of what he called the winning faction of the opposition party because of his political influence and performance.

Earlier at the event, Akpabio recalled Wike’s visit to Akwa Ibom when he was governor. He said Wike had toured one of the state’s underground drainage projects and later proved himself after becoming governor of Rivers State.

He added that he once joked with Wike that he had supported his ambition to become governor, not to outperform him. He, however, said Wike had made infrastructure development a major part of his leadership style.

Akpabio’s latest remarks came only days after he criticised the PDP during another project inauguration in Abuja, where he questioned the party’s continued existence and suggested it had lost its relevance.