By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday denied ever belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during Senate plenary in Abuja. Akpabio made the claim while responding to a motion honoring former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris. The motion was sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah, who represents Kogi East.
Akpabio Rejects PDP Membership Claim
Senator Isah recalled that Ibrahim Idris was a PDP member during his political career.
He also reminded Akpabio that they belonged to the party during the same period.
However, Akpabio interrupted the senator and rejected the reference to his alleged PDP membership.
“I was never in PDP. My spirit might be there, but my heart was never there.
“I have always been a progressive,” Akpabio said.
Records Show Akpabio Ran on PDP Platform
Contemporary records, however, show Akpabio contested and won the Akwa Ibom North-West Senate seat in 2015 on the PDP platform.
The PDP caucus also appointed him Senate Minority Leader in July 2015.
Akpabio later resigned as Minority Leader in August 2018 after defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio’s Role as Akwa Ibom Governor
Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015.
During his tenure, he also chaired the PDP Governors’ Forum. Contemporary reports identified him as the forum’s chairman.
In 2014, for example, Akpabio announced the PDP governors’ endorsement of Goodluck Jonathan for a second presidential term.
He made the announcement as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Senator Recalls Ibrahim Idris’ Political Career
Senator Isah made the comments while introducing a motion to honour the late Ibrahim Idris.
Idris governed Kogi State from May 29, 2003, until January 27, 2012.
He remained one of the longest-serving governors in the state’s history.
The Senate’s consideration of the motion prompted the exchange between Isah and Akpabio.
Akpabio Describes Himself as a Progressive
Despite his documented political roles under the PDP, Akpabio maintained that he was never truly part of the party.
He said his political orientation had always been progressive.
The Senate President’s statement has therefore drawn attention to his political history.
His previous roles included PDP governor, PDP Governors’ Forum chairman and PDP senator.
