RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has alleged that some social media users criticising President Bola Tinubu and his supporters are being paid to attack the administration ahead of the 2027 general election.
Akpabio made the allegation on Wednesday while receiving members of the Arewa Revival Project, a northern youth organisation, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
The delegation, led by its coordinator, Mustafa Ibrahim, presented an award to the Senate President in recognition of what it described as his contributions to national development.
Addressing the visitors, Akpabio urged young Nigerians, particularly those in the North, to intensify grassroots engagement and promote the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
He claimed that some individuals attacking the President and his supporters online were receiving financial incentives, while young people supporting the government were undertaking their activities without payment.
The Senate President, however, did not identify those allegedly receiving payments or provide evidence establishing the claims.
Akpabio defended the administration’s economic policies, arguing that reforms introduced by Tinubu were intended to diversify the economy, strengthen public institutions and create opportunities for future generations.
He specifically highlighted the government’s tax reforms and legislative changes, which he described as important steps towards sustainable economic development.
The former Akwa Ibom State governor also praised Tinubu’s leadership, maintaining that the National Assembly supported the President’s bid for a second term.
He urged members of the youth organisation to engage communities directly and explain the administration’s policies to Nigerians.
Speaking on national security, Akpabio expressed optimism that ongoing constitutional amendments could lead to the establishment of state police.
He claimed that approximately 30 state Houses of Assembly had endorsed the proposed constitutional changes, bringing the country closer to decentralised policing.
However, the establishment of state police would still require completion of the constitutional amendment process and the necessary legal approvals.
The Senate President argued that decentralised policing could strengthen responses to insecurity by allowing states to participate more directly in law enforcement.
Earlier, Ibrahim commended Akpabio’s legislative leadership and said the organisation recognised his contributions to national development.
The meeting comes as political parties and support groups increase mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Akpabio’s allegation concerning paid online critics remains unsubstantiated, and criticism of government policies does not, by itself, establish that those expressing such views are receiving payment.
