The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video in which one Garus Gololo allegedly accused him of making divisive remarks against Northerners ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PrimeTimes Nigeria learnt that in the video, Gololo claimed that Akpabio said Northerners must vote for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 or leave Nigeria.
But the Senate President’s office, in a statement, denied the allegation, saying Akpabio never made such a statement at any time.
The statement was issued by the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Jibril Lawal Tafida.
Tafida described the claim as false, malicious and capable of creating unnecessary tension in the country.
He said the allegation was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and portray the Senate President in a bad light.
“We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that the President of the Senate never made such a statement. This claim is completely false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” the statement said.
Tafida urged Nigerians to disregard the viral video, insisting that the claim attributed to Akpabio did not reflect his views or public conduct.
According to him, the Senate President remains committed to national unity and would not make comments capable of dividing Nigerians along ethnic or regional lines.
Tafida also called on security agencies to investigate Gololo and establish the source of the allegation.
He asked Gololo to provide evidence of where and when Akpabio allegedly made the statement.
“The public deserves to know the source of these baseless allegations,” he said.
The Senate President’s aide further urged Northerners and other Nigerians to reject what he described as irresponsible and provocative conduct aimed at causing disaffection among citizens.
He warned that unverified claims, especially those touching on ethnicity and national unity, could heat up the polity if not checked.
Northern Group Petitions IGP
Meanwhile, the Northern Democratic Front has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, calling for Gololo’s arrest and investigation over the alleged defamatory remarks against Akpabio.
The petition was signed by the group’s National President, Engr. Musa Abba, and National Secretary, Barrister Bitrus Yohana.
The group said the allegation was capable of inciting public disorder and threatening national peace.
According to the NDF, the viral claim should not be treated lightly because of its potential to create mistrust between regions and political blocs ahead of the 2027 elections.
Group Alleges Defamation
The NDF also accused Gololo of using vulgar and offensive language against the Senate President.
It described the alleged conduct as disrespectful to the office of the nation’s number three citizen and an attempt to damage Akpabio’s reputation.
The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the claims and prosecute Gololo if found culpable.
It said he should be investigated for alleged criminal defamation, spreading false information and conduct likely to disturb public peace.
The group added that public discourse should be guided by truth, restraint and responsibility, especially at a time when political activities ahead of 2027 are beginning to gather momentum.