President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said criticism and anger from opposition figures over laws passed by the Senate reassure him that lawmakers are making the right decisions.
Akpabio made the remark on Saturday in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, while addressing guests during a reception organised in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
According to the Senate President, reactions from opposition politicians often serve as confirmation that the Senate’s legislative actions are effective.
“Each time we make a law and the opposition frowns, I get excited that I’ve made the right law,” Akpabio said.
He also dismissed threats by some opposition figures to boycott the 2027 presidential election, describing such statements as an indication that they are unprepared for the contest.
Akpabio referenced a television appearance by an opposition figure who criticised the recently amended Electoral Act (Nigeria) and suggested the possibility of boycotting future elections.
“Yesterday I saw one man shouting on TV because of the amended Electoral Act, saying we’re likely to boycott elections,” he said.
“My response was: tell the truth, you’re boycotting the elections because you’re not ready. If you are ready, you won’t boycott.”
The Senate President maintained that the National Assembly would continue to enact laws it believes are in the best interest of the country, regardless of criticism from political opponents.
