The Arewa Revival Project has passed a vote of confidence in the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, while urging Nigerians to verify politically sensitive claims circulating on social media before sharing them.
The group made the call in a statement by its Project Coordinator, Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, in reaction to a viral social media post allegedly quoting Akpabio as saying that Northerners would suffer if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election.
The organisation described the alleged statement as inflammatory but cautioned that the circulation of a graphic bearing Akpabio’s photograph and the purported quotation did not, by itself, establish that he made the statement.
It challenged those circulating the claim to provide the original video or audio recording, transcript, date, venue and credible source from which the alleged remark originated.
The group warned that unverified social media content could fuel regional tensions and deepen divisions among Nigerians, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Whatever political differences may exist among Nigerians, the office of the President of the Senate deserves constructive engagement and responsible public discourse,” the group said.
The Arewa Revival Project also commended Akpabio for what it described as his commitment to legislative leadership, national dialogue, institutional cooperation and democratic governance.
According to the organisation, leadership of the National Assembly requires courage, experience, diplomacy and the ability to balance competing political interests while ensuring the effective conduct of legislative business.
It said its vote of confidence in Akpabio was based on what it described as his verifiable actions, legislative responsibilities and contributions, rather than anonymous social media allegations or politically charged graphics.
The group urged the Senate President to continue promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence, legislative effectiveness and constructive engagement among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
It also appealed to Nigerians to place national interest above political parties and individual politicians, stressing that political competition should not be used as a justification for spreading messages capable of provoking hatred, suspicion or confrontation.
“Nigeria is bigger than any political party, individual or election,” the statement added.
The Arewa Revival Project urged Nigerians to “verify before sharing, question before believing and unite before dividing.”
It congratulated Akpabio on his service as Senate President and wished him continued wisdom and courage in the discharge of his constitutional responsibilities.
