Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that candidates who lost the 2023 presidential election are behind the planned nationwide protest. Speaking on Monday at the State House, Abuja, after President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law, Akpabio pointed fingers at Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Omoyele Sowore of African Action Congress (AAC), and others as sponsors.
Various individuals and organizations have organized the protest in response to the economic challenges brought by Tinubu's administration. Scheduled for August 1 and 10, Akpabio suggested that the election losers aim to use the protest to gain power illegitimately.
Akpabio warned that such actions could lead to anarchy and emphasized that property destruction would only further strain Nigeria's finances. He urged the protesters to avoid violence and vandalism, stating, "Any destruction of any property will cost Nigeria money. We don’t have the money. Instead, let’s put the money into developing you and your environs instead of going to rebuild."
The Senate President also raised concerns about the potential for looting and other criminal activities under the guise of the protest. He highlighted that the current economic hardships are a result of long-standing issues from previous administrations, not Tinubu's policies alone. Akpabio urged the youth not to be misled by politically motivated groups and stressed the need for unity and constructive solutions.
Last week, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun noted the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the protest planning, further complicating the situation.
