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A prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has criticized Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents the Abia South Senatorial District. Ikonne condemned Abaribe's recent comments questioning the legitimacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, labeling the remarks as politically desperate and out of touch with current realities.

Ikonne shared his views on Tuesday during an appearance on TVC’s popular morning show, This Morning. He argued that Abaribe’s comments reflect a growing sense of panic among opposition political parties as preparations commence for the 2027 general elections.

On Monday, Senator Abaribe asserted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not legitimately win the 2023 election and claimed that he would not succeed in 2027.

In response to these assertions, Ikonne stated that Abaribe’s ongoing criticism of President Tinubu’s mandate stems from a fear of the ruling party’s increasing influence throughout the nation.

He emphasized that President Tinubu's victory in the 2023 election was both decisive and legitimate, highlighting that the President enjoys widespread support across various regions, ethnic groups, and political affiliations.

Ikonne argued that attempts to undermine the election results are not only revisionist but also disregard a verdict already validated by the nation’s electoral and judicial processes.

The APC chieftain further claimed that Senator Abaribe lacks the moral authority to question Tinubu’s electoral strength, particularly in Abia State, alleging that the senator has become disconnected from the realities on the ground.

He asserted that Abaribe no longer actively engages with his constituents, resulting in a failure to grasp the changing political dynamics in the state and the broader South-East region.

He stated, “If you know Senator Abaribe well, you will realize that he is an attention seeker. He is constantly seeking attention. This is a man who did not win his own election in 2023. A young candidate defeated him during the election, and anyone interested in the details should review what the young man filed at the Tribunal against Senator Abaribe.

“What Abaribe demonstrated clearly shows that the opposition, if it exists, is panicking. The President won the election not just in one state but across the nation, and his popularity has increased since 2023 because 90 percent of the PDP in the entire South-East has merged into the APC.”

“Currently, around 90 percent of the PDP structure in the South-East has integrated into the APC,” Ikonne explained. “The essence of politics lies in the people, and those individuals are now aligning with President Tinubu. This is the reality in the South-East and Nigeria as a whole. I can assure you that there will be a significant shift in favor of Asiwaju in 2027.”

“In the South-East, this region is now a stronghold for the APC if you examine it closely. The door remains open for those who recognize the truth to join us, and for those who have yet to see it, we wish them well.”

What were Senator Abaribe's comments about President Tinubu's victory?

Senator Abaribe claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not win the 2023 election and suggested that he would not win again in 2027.

How did Prince Paul Ikonne respond to Abaribe's claims?

Ikonne argued that Abaribe's criticisms were driven by fear of the ruling party's growing influence and emphasized that Tinubu's victory was legitimate and supported across various demographics.

What does Ikonne say about Abaribe's connection with his constituents?

Ikonne claimed that Abaribe has lost touch with the grassroots realities and no longer engages actively with his constituents, which affects his understanding of the political dynamics in Abia State.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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