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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to heightened political activities ahead of upcoming elections, claiming that the violence is largely being driven by individuals unsettled by the electoral process.
Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Nigerian Revenue Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Akpabio argued that the surge in attacks and unrest is not coincidental but tied directly to pre-election anxieties and political manoeuvring.
“Insecurity is increasing because election is coming, because people don’t know what to do again. Immediately after election, two weeks after election, the insecurity will stop. The insecurity is being sponsored by people,” he said.
The Senate President insisted that the situation would ease shortly after the elections, expressing confidence that the violence would subside once the political climate stabilises.
Akpabio also defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, maintaining that the government is making progress despite mounting criticism. He accused opposition figures of fuelling unrest while grappling with internal divisions.
In a veiled reference to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Akpabio criticised what he described as political inconsistency among opposition leaders.
“Opposition is in disarray, someone got six million votes and abandoned the party, abandoned the six million votes and went shopping for another platform and they are blaming the ruling party,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient with the current administration, stressing that efforts to stabilise the country are ongoing.
Akpabio also commended the head of the revenue agency, Zacch Adedeji, describing him as a widely accepted figure in a role traditionally viewed with public scepticism.
“Zacch is the first tax-man that Nigerians love; even in the Bible people don’t like tax collectors. Zacch has done very well and Nigerians are happy with him,” he added.
The event was attended by several top government officials, including President Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Also present were Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and several state governors including Babagana Zulum, Charles Soludo, Caleb Mutfwang, Hope Uzodimma, and Usman Ododo.
The newly inaugurated headquarters, a 16-floor complex comprising three towers, is expected to house about 3,000 personnel. The facility follows the enactment of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act signed into law in June 2025, which transformed the Federal Inland Revenue Service into the Nigerian Revenue Service.