Akpabio Alleges Payment for Social Media Attacks on Tinubu, Urges Northern Youths to Mobilise Support

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that some people criticising President Bola Tinubu and his supporters on social media are being paid, urging northern youths to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday when members of the Arewa Revival Project, a youth group drawn from the 19 northern states, visited him at his office and presented him with an award for his contributions to nation-building.

The group was led by its coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim.

While thanking the organisation for the recognition, Akpabio urged its members to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and educate Nigerians about what he described as the benefits of continuity in government.

He alleged that some social media users attacking the President and his supporters were receiving financial incentives, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.

“It is not going to be easy for you because most of those who are attacking the President and attacking these young men on social media are being paid. You are not being paid,” Akpabio said.

He encouraged the youths to organise meetings and engage people at the grassroots, urging them to counter what he described as propaganda against the administration.

Akpabio defends Tinubu’s economic policies

The Senate President defended the administration’s economic policies, including its tax reforms, arguing that the government was working to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil.

He urged young Nigerians to look beyond social media criticism and consider the administration’s economic and legislative initiatives.

Akpabio also praised Tinubu’s performance, saying he and members of the National Assembly supported the President seeking a second term.

He maintained that the administration was introducing changes intended to address longstanding economic challenges and secure a better future for younger Nigerians.

However, his remarks come amid continuing public debate over the impact of the government’s policies on living costs, taxation and household welfare.

State police system may soon become reality — Akpabio

On insecurity, Akpabio expressed optimism that the proposed establishment of state police could soon become a reality.

He said the constitutional amendment process was nearing completion, claiming that about 30 state Houses of Assembly had endorsed the proposal.

“As I speak with you now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, it may not take us a month before we have a state police system – decentralised policing in the country – because about 30 states have endorsed the amendment to the Nigerian constitution to bring about a state police system, which will further increase the security of the nation,” he said.

The proposed state police system has featured prominently in Nigeria’s constitutional reform debate, with supporters arguing that decentralised policing could help states respond more effectively to local security challenges.

Akpabio also expressed confidence that the country would overcome its security problems, encouraging the visiting youths to remain optimistic as they carried out their mobilisation activities.

Group commends Senate President

Earlier, Ibrahim said the group considered Akpabio deserving of the award because of his contributions to national development and the achievements of the National Assembly under his leadership.

The visit comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Tinubu is expected to seek re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Daily Reality