Akpabio Says Hunger Among His People Drove Him Into Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria – President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has revealed that hunger and poverty among his people motivated him to join politics, with the goal of transforming their living conditions and changing public perception of Akwa Ibom indigenes.

Akpabio made the statement during a youth-focused programme titled “Uncommon Evening with Akpabio”, organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing in Abuja on October 10.

Addressing a large audience of Nigerian youths, Akpabio recounted how the socio-economic conditions of his people once pushed many into menial jobs across the country, where they were often employed as security guards and domestic workers—popularly referred to as Ekaete or Akpan.

The Senate President said this experience spurred his passion for leadership and inspired his political journey aimed at rewriting the narrative of Akwa Ibom State.

“My people were known mainly as security men and housemaids. That reality pained me deeply, and I resolved to change it through leadership and development,” Akpabio said.

He highlighted the remarkable transformation of Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015, noting achievements in infrastructure, human capital development, and tourism, which have turned the state into a “tourist haven with a thriving economy.”

Akpabio also referenced a viral video by media personality Daddy Freeze, where a young man testified to receiving $85,000 from him years ago—a gesture that reportedly changed the man’s life.

Encouraging Nigerian youths not to lose faith in the country, Akpabio urged them to remain resilient and committed to building a better nation.

Currently serving as the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate, Akpabio previously held office as a two-term governor (2007–2015), Senator (2015), and Minister (2019) before his election to lead the upper legislative chamber in 2023.