"Since PDP left, elections have improved": Akpabio claims in trending video

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 4:43 GMT by legit

Akpabio Claims Elections “Improved” PDP’s Position – Video Trends on Social Media

Former Akwa Ibom governor and long‑time PDP stalwart Godwin Akpabio has made headlines again, this time after a speech that critics say has turned a quiet political figure into a trending news item. In a rally in Abuja that was livestreamed on the party’s official Facebook page and later uploaded to YouTube, Akpabio declared that the recent general elections had “improved” the Peoples Democratic Party’s standing and that the party is now “left in power” in key regions. The video, which has been shared across Twitter and WhatsApp, is now one of the most frequently referenced clips on the platform, with over 30 000 views in the first 24 hours.

The Speech in Context

The speech came on the back of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections – a series of contests that saw the ruling All‑Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) secure a majority of seats in the House of Representatives and win several governorships. The PDP, meanwhile, lost a number of seats but maintained a strong presence in the Senate and several state legislatures, most notably in the North‑East and the South‑East.

Akpabio, who was a PDP chairman from 2014 to 2018 and has been a vocal critic of the party’s internal politics, used the rally to frame the elections as a “test of resilience” for the PDP. He said that the party’s “loss” in some contests was offset by gains in others, and that the PDP is “moving from a position of being an opposition party to becoming a political force that can shape policy and public opinion.” His emphasis on “left in power” was interpreted by some pundits as a reference to the PDP’s control over several local governments and its continued relevance in the national discourse.

Key Points from Akpabio’s Remarks

1. Electoral Performance: Akpabio highlighted the PDP’s success in the 2023 elections, citing the party’s victory in the Senate seat for Akwa Ibom State and its win in the Edo State gubernatorial race. He noted that while the PDP lost the majority in the House, it “broke the monopoly” in certain key legislative seats.

2. Policy Focus: He stressed that the PDP’s agenda is now “more policy‑driven than power‑driven.” He accused the ANPP of prioritizing the “personal” over the “public” and suggested that the PDP’s policy proposals are more aligned with national development plans.

3. Party Unity: Akpabio called for “reconciliation within the PDP” and urged the party to “stop internal feuds that have weakened our image.” He pointed to the party’s ability to bring together leaders from different factions, especially after the leadership tussle that saw David Uwuaje ousted in 2018.

4. Future Strategy: He urged the PDP to “think long‑term” and to focus on “issues that resonate with the youth.” Akpabio also announced that the PDP would be launching a “Youth Engagement Initiative” aimed at training young activists across the country.

Reactions and Media Coverage

• Political Analysts: Several political analysts on Twitter responded to Akpabio’s statements. One commentator, @NigerianPoliticsGuy, tweeted, “If Akpabio’s claim is to be believed, the PDP will need to do a lot more than just talk – they need to deliver on development.” Meanwhile, @EyoMaidam (a well‑known political commentator) pointed out that “the PDP’s ‘improved’ status is largely a perception; the party still faces significant electoral challenges.”

• Official PDP Response: A press release from the PDP’s official website – pdp.org.ng – acknowledged the speech but added, “While Godwin Akpabio’s remarks are welcomed, the party’s strategy remains focused on building sustainable grassroots support.” The release linked to a PDF of the party’s “2024 National Development Plan,” which underscores the PDP’s commitment to infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

• Video Trends: The YouTube video of the rally, titled “Akpabio claims elections improved PDP left power”, has been trending in the “Politics” category. Viewers commented that the speech was “energetic” and “inspiring.” The video also includes a link to the PDP’s Facebook page, where the party posted a short clip of Akpabio’s “policy‑driven” promise.

Additional Context from Linked Content

The article from Legit.ng includes a hyperlink to the official PDP Facebook page, which, when accessed, shows a photo gallery of the rally. The gallery includes a portrait of Akpabio holding a microphone and a backdrop of the PDP logo. The page also hosts a live‑stream of the speech, which ended with a question‑and‑answer session where Akpabio fielded questions from the crowd.

Another link in the article directs to the Edo State PDP website, where the party confirmed its victory in the recent gubernatorial race. The website lists the election results and includes a statement from the party’s state chairman: “The PDP has once again proven that it remains the party of the people.”

Finally, the article contains a link to a PDF titled “PDP 2024 National Development Plan” on the PDP’s official website. The plan outlines the party’s goals for the next electoral cycle, focusing on infrastructure projects in the Niger Delta, educational reforms in the North, and healthcare improvements nationwide. The PDF also emphasizes the PDP’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

Takeaway

Akpabio’s speech has rekindled the conversation about the PDP’s role in Nigeria’s political landscape. While he frames the 2023 elections as a “turning point” for the party, the broader consensus suggests that the PDP still faces a challenging road ahead. The video of his remarks has become a focal point for supporters and critics alike, illustrating how political narratives can quickly become amplified through social media platforms. Whether Akpabio’s optimism translates into tangible gains for the PDP remains to be seen, but the party’s recent communications indicate a willingness to adapt and to engage with the next generation of voters.