The Arewa Revival Project has taken note of a viral social-media post alleging that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, said: “We will make sure Northerners suffer from January to May if Tinubu loses the election.”
We categorically reject the statement as false, misleading and politically irresponsible, and urge Nigerians, particularly citizens of Northern Nigeria, not to allow an unattributed social-media graphic to create unnecessary tension between regions.
Importantly, we have found no credible evidence establishing that Senator Akpabio made the alleged statement. In a related controversy earlier this year, the Office of the President of the Senate expressly denied viral allegations portraying Akpabio as making anti-Northern or threatening remarks, describing such claims as false and malicious.
THE IMAGE IS NOT EVIDENCE OF A QUOTE
A photograph of a public official accompanied by quotation marks does not, by itself, establish that the person uttered the words attributed to him.
Those circulating the graphic should provide the full video recording, date, venue, complete speech, or an authentic transcript from which the alleged quotation was taken. Until such evidence is produced, Nigerians should treat the claim as an unverified political allegation, rather than established fact.
Indeed, available reporting shows Senator Akpabio making public statements emphasizing national unity and warning Nigerians not to allow political differences to undermine the country. In June 2026, he was reported as saying that elections would come and go and should not become the end of Nigeria.
COMMENDATION OF SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO
The Arewa Revival Project commends Senator Godswill Akpabio for his continued efforts to promote cooperation between the Executive and Legislative arms of government and for his advocacy of policies and legislation which he says are intended to improve the lives of Nigerians.
His public record also demonstrates that his political activities transcend a single region. He has consistently advocated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while engaging political stakeholders across the country. In July 2026, for example, he called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and expressed confidence in Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
We therefore consider it unfortunate that an unverified graphic is being presented as though it were an established statement capable of setting North against South.
OUR MESSAGE TO NORTHERN NIGERIANS
Northern Nigeria must not become a victim of political misinformation.
We encourage our people to ask simple questions before believing or sharing inflammatory content:
* Where and when was the statement made?
* Is there a complete video?
* Who recorded or published the original statement?
* Has a credible news organisation independently verified it?
* Has the person to whom the statement is attributed confirmed that he actually said it?
These questions are particularly important as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Arewa Revival Project believes that political disagreement is legitimate, but deliberately manufactured ethnic and regional hostility is dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.
We will continue to support peaceful political participation, voter education, national unity and constructive engagement between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
CONCLUSION
We call on Nigerians to disregard the viral quotation unless and until credible evidence is produced to authenticate it.
We further commend the Senate President for his service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and urge him, alongside other national leaders, to continue promoting the spirit of One Nigeria, where political competition does not become a source of ethnic suspicion or regional hatred.
Nigeria belongs to all of us. The North belongs in Nigeria, the South belongs in Nigeria, and together we must protect the unity and democratic future of our country.
Signed:
Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim
Project Coordinator
Arewa Revival Project
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