'Ensure another G5 emerges in 2027'- Akpabio tells Wike how to work for Tinubu's re-election

The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has made a plea to former Governor Nyseom Wike and his associates, known as the G5, to form another aggrieved faction within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Akpabio said the new group would work to ensure a smooth victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, just like the G5 did in the last election.

Channels TV reported that the Senate president said this during a thanksgiving reception held at the private residence of former Governor Nyesom Wike in Rivers state on Sunday, June 18.

Akpabio commends G5 Governors

Addressing Wike and the G5 governors who were present at the event, Akpabio commended their efforts in seeking justice for Nigeria.

He thanked Wike for supporting the return of power to Southern Nigeria and backing APC's candidate, Bola Tinubu, instead of his own party's nominee, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 presidential election.

“We are very delighted, we are proud to have G5. Please, ensure that in 2027, another G5 emerges so that APC will continue to do well in this country. And if you like, you can add two more, make it G7 and not only G5,” Akpabio said.

The event was attended by all members of the G5, including Wike, as well as former governors Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Other notable figures present included Ayo Fayose, Umar Damagum, Peter Odili, Abdullahi Ganduje, James Ibori, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, representing President Bola Tinubu.

Several serving governors and prominent members of the APC and the 10th National Assembly were also in attendance, making the event a gathering of influential personalities.

How G5 worked against Atiku

The G5, a group of influential politicians, was thought to have diminished the chances of Atiku Abubakar in the last presidential election due to their insistence on the southern presidency after President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year term.

Despite their efforts, Atiku secured the PDP's nomination but faced resistance from the G5 in their demand for a southern replacement as PDP national chairman.

In the election, the PDP presidential candidate lost in all G5 states, while APC's Tinubu emerged as the frontrunner, winning in 12 states and securing the highest number of votes.

On June 8, the G5 visited President Tinubu at Aso Villa in Abuja.