‘Allow PDP To Die’ – Akpabio Tells Wike As He Jokes About Party’s Relevance

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday took a swipe at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joking that he was unaware the party was still in existence.

Akpabio made the remark during the inauguration of the full-scale development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street in the Gaduwa District of Abuja, an event attended by senior government officials, political leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Senate President made the comment after briefly stumbling while acknowledging dignitaries at the ceremony. He mistakenly began referring to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP instead of that of the APC before quickly correcting himself.

Turning to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who was present at the event, Akpabio jokingly blamed him for the mix-up.

“I didn’t know there was still PDP,” Akpabio said with laughter from the audience. “Wike, stop confusing us. If a party has died, allow it to die.”

His comments drew reactions from attendees, with many interpreting the statement as another jab at the PDP, which has experienced internal divisions, defections and prolonged leadership disputes in recent years.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent member of the PDP before accepting an appointment in the APC-led Federal Government, has remained one of the country’s most controversial political figures. His continued relationship with leaders of the ruling party has fuelled speculation about his political future and attracted criticism from members of his own party.

Akpabio’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of future elections, with both the APC and the PDP seeking to strengthen their positions as Nigeria’s major political parties continue to compete for influence across the country.

Neither Wike nor the PDP immediately responded publicly to the Senate President’s comments as of the time this report was filed.