Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over a purported anti-Northern statement allegedly attributed to him and circulated across social media platforms.
The statement, according to reports, was circulated on Facebook and other digital platforms and allegedly suggested that Northerners could suffer political consequences if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu failed to win the 2027 presidential election.
Akpabio has denied making the statement and has sought the intervention of the intelligence agency over its circulation.
The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election, with social media increasingly becoming a major channel for the circulation of political claims, statements and counterclaims.
The Senate President’s decision to approach the DSS indicates the seriousness with which he regards the alleged attribution and its potential implications.
Political statements touching on regional or ethnic divisions have historically generated strong reactions in Nigeria, particularly during election periods.
The petition is expected to give security authorities an opportunity to establish the origin of the disputed material, determine whether it was fabricated or altered, and identify those responsible for its circulation.
The controversy further underscores concerns about misinformation and manipulated political content as Nigeria approaches another major electoral cycle.