Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned the Nigerian populace against placing their hopes in political coalitions, noting that such arrangements are ill-suited for the country’s existing electoral framework.
He spoke at the House of Representatives Open Week in Abuja, where he emphasised that only registered political parties possess the legal standing to contest elections, not individual politicians or temporary alliances.
Akpabio described the notion of an individual simultaneously belonging to multiple political factions as misleading and unworkable within Nigeria’s political landscape.
His comments come in the wake of a significant meeting held by opposition forces on July 2 in Abuja.
During this gathering, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was formally adopted as the official platform for their collective challenge in the 2027 elections.
The coalition also named former Senate President David Mark as its interim national chairman and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as its secretary.
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The high-profile meeting drew numerous past and present political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Gabriel Suswam, Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, Sadique Abubakar, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Beyond coalitions, Akpabio also addressed what he perceives as misguided public expectations regarding the role of lawmakers. He clarified that the core duty of legislators is primarily focused on lawmaking, not undertaking infrastructure development projects.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, provided an update on the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
He announced that proposed changes would include reserving 10 per cent of seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives for women, while 5 per cent would be allocated to persons with disabilities.
