Insecurity will stop after elections, says Akpabio as he backs Tinubu’s performance

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has linked the recent surge in insecurity across Nigeria to the build-up to forthcoming elections, expressing optimism that the situation will improve once the polls are concluded.

Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during the official launch of the Nigerian Revenue Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, political tensions often heighten security challenges, suggesting that some elements opposed to the administration of Bola Tinubu may be fueling unrest for political gain.

He praised the president’s performance, stating that critics of the government are resorting to destabilising tactics because they are unable to counter the administration’s achievements.

He said, “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.”

Mocking the opposition for being in disarray, Akpabio aimed a dig Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election, saying, “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 appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the present administration, adding, “Let Nigerians be patient with you, you are doing the right thing.”

He said Dr Zacch Adedeji 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.”

Among those who attended the event aside from Akpabio were President Bola Tinubu who commissioned the complex, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; members of the Federal Executive Council; and governors were also in attendance.

Among the governors at the occasion were: Babagana Zulum (Borno), Charles Soludo (Anambra), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Usman Ododo (Kogi).

The newly inaugurated complex, described as a world-class edifice, features 16 floors spread across three towers and has the capacity to accommodate about 3,000 personnel.

President Tinubu had in June 2025 signed the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, which officially transformed FIRS into NRS.