The Arewa Revival Project has passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, hours after the Senate President petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over a viral statement allegedly attributed to him concerning Northerners and the 2027 presidential election.
Akpabio, through his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze, asked the DSS to investigate what he described as the creation and coordinated dissemination of a “false, inflammatory and dangerously divisive” statement being circulated on Facebook and other digital platforms.
The viral graphic, bearing Akpabio’s photograph and designation as Senate President, purportedly quoted him as saying that Northerners would be the ones to suffer most if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lost the 2027 election.
Akpabio has denied making the statement, saying no date, venue, speech, interview, video, audio recording, official statement or credible news report has been produced to authenticate the quotation.
In the petition, the Senate President urged the DSS to establish the origin of the graphic, identify those responsible for its production and dissemination, and investigate the network allegedly involved in its circulation.
The development has now drawn a response from the Arewa Revival Project, which urged Nigerians to exercise caution before accepting or sharing the disputed publication.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the group said the circulation of a graphic containing a photograph and quotation marks was not, by itself, evidence that the person pictured made the statement.
It challenged those circulating the allegation to provide the original recording, transcript, date, venue and credible source of the purported comment.
The group said the controversy should not be allowed to deepen regional suspicion or create tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Beyond its position on the disputed statement, the Arewa Revival Project expressed confidence in Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate and the National Assembly.
It commended his stewardship, citing his role in legislative leadership, national dialogue and institutional cooperation.
The group said public officials should be judged on the basis of verifiable actions and their constitutional responsibilities rather than unverified social-media allegations.
It consequently passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio as Senate President.
The group also urged the Senate President to continue promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
The Arewa Revival Project further warned against allowing political competition to aggravate ethnic and regional divisions.
“Nigeria is bigger than any political party, individual or election,” it said, stressing that the North, South, East and West remained integral parts of one sovereign nation.
It called on Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, particularly when such content involves political leaders or has the potential to inflame regional sentiments.
The statement which was signed by Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, Project Coordinator, Arewa Revival Project said the group would continue to support responsible political participation and insist on evidence-based public discourse.
