Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called upon former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the other members of the G5 to form another aggrieved group within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure a smooth victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at a thanksgiving reception held at Wike’s residence in Rumueprikom, Akpabio expressed his gratitude to Wike for his efforts in promoting justice in Nigeria. He also acknowledged the G5 Governors, referring to them as the Integrity Group, for their opposition to the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the PDP’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
“We are very delighted, we are proud to have G5. Please, ensure that in 2027, another G5 emerges so that APC will continue to do well in this country. And if you like, you can add two more, make it G7 and not only G5,” Akpabio stated, emphasizing the importance of having a strong opposition within the PDP to guarantee the APC’s success.
During the event, Akpabio also addressed Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, another member of the G5, praising his leadership and recalling his prediction of Makinde becoming a governor when they first met.
The G5, consisting of Wike, Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, played a significant role in the previous presidential election, opposing Abubakar’s candidacy and advocating for rotational presidency after President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term administration.
Although Abubakar won the PDP’s primary, the G5 states did not support him in the general election. Instead, APC’s candidate, Bola Tinubu, secured victories in Oyo, Benue, and Rivers, among other states. Tinubu garnered the highest number of votes and emerged as the winner.
The G5’s visit to President Tinubu at Aso Villa on June 8 further solidified their alignment with the APC.
