Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and his four associates in the G5 to form another dissatisfied faction within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure a smooth victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
During a thanksgiving reception at Wike’s residence in Rumueprikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Akpabio expressed his gratitude to Wike for his efforts to bring justice to Nigeria. He also acknowledged the G5 Governors, who make up the Integrity Group, for opposing the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the PDP’s candidate in the previous presidential election held on February 25.
Akpabio expressed his delight and pride in having the G5, urging them to ensure that another G5 or even a larger group, such as G7, emerges in 2027 to support the APC’s success in the country.
Addressing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, a member of the G5, Akpabio recalled predicting that Makinde would become a governor when he first met him. He commended Makinde’s leadership and was not surprised when he eventually assumed the role of governor.
Present at the event were all members of the G5, including Wike, Makinde, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu). Other notable attendees included Ayo Fayose, Umar Damagum, Peter Odili, Abdullahi Ganduje, James Ibori, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu representing President Bola Tinubu. Several other important personalities from the APC and members of the 10th National Assembly were also present.
The G5, known for their grievances within the PDP, played a significant role in diminishing the chances of Atiku Abubakar in the last presidential election. They advocated for rotational presidency after President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term tenure. However, their efforts failed to prevent Abubakar from securing the PDP’s nomination. Ultimately, Abubakar lost in all G5 states, while Tinubu secured a substantial number of votes.
On June 8, the G5 visited President Tinubu at Aso Villa in Abuja.