By Mohammed Bello Doka
ABUJA – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has warned politicians against holding membership in more than one political party, a stance widely interpreted as a veiled dig at Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. Interestingly, Akpabio made no reference to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who many believe pioneered the trend within the current administration.
Speaking during a session at the National Assembly, Akpabio cautioned that it is politically and legally wrong for an individual to identify with two political parties simultaneously.
“You can’t say you’re a member of ADC, but still remain a member of the Labour Party. You can’t belong to two political parties. It’s only one party that will contest the election,” Akpabio stated firmly.
While he stopped short of naming anyone directly, political watchers were quick to point out the timing and tone of his comments — linking them to Peter Obi’s recent engagements with different political platforms, which have fueled speculation about his next political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, Akpabio’s silence on Nyesom Wike — who openly serves in President Tinubu’s APC-led cabinet while still claiming loyalty to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that if Akpabio’s message were rooted in principle, Wike’s actions would have warranted mention.
Observers see Akpabio’s remarks as both a strategic move to check perceived political disloyalty and a selective warning aimed at emerging threats within the opposition rather than addressing the trend across board.
As Nigeria inches closer to another election cycle, the Senate President’s comments have reignited conversations about political integrity, party discipline, and the growing tension between convenience and commitment in the nation's democratic space.