Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stirred fresh controversy after appearing to justify the widely criticised “victory is sure” statement linked to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, dismissing concerns of bias and insisting the remark was harmless.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) new headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, April 14, in defence of the comment, Akpabio argued that the phrase had been deliberately misinterpreted by critics seeking to discredit both the electoral body and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the statement was not an official declaration of support for any political party, but a general expression that had been twisted to create unnecessary controversy.
“They brought out a tweet… saying the INEC chairman said victory is sure. But he didn’t say victory is sure for APC or PDP. He just said victory is sure,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President further downplayed the issue, suggesting that even if the comment had political undertones, individuals are entitled to personal opinions.
“Whether it was manipulated or not, ‘victory is sure’ is victory is sure,” he added, a remark that has since drawn sharp criticism.
Nigerians React: “Clear Bias” or “Harmless Comment?”
Akpabio’s position has triggered a storm of reactions across the country, with many Nigerians accusing him of normalising bias within an institution expected to remain neutral.
Critics argue that his defence raises troubling questions about the independence of INEC, warning that such statements, regardless of intent, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
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“This is exactly how trust in institutions erodes,” one social media user wrote. “You can’t defend something like this and expect Nigerians to believe elections will be free and fair.”
Others described the Senate President’s comments as “reckless,” insisting that any suggestion of predetermined victory, especially when linked to INEC, should be treated with utmost seriousness.
Supporters Push Back
However, supporters of Akpabio have defended his remarks, maintaining that the outrage is politically motivated.
They argue that the statement in question was taken out of context and weaponised by opposition elements to create doubt about the credibility of the electoral body.
Some also insist there is no evidence that the comment originated from the INEC Chairman in an official capacity, urging Nigerians not to jump to conclusions.
Credibility Questions Resurface
The development has once again thrust INEC into the spotlight, with analysts warning that recurring controversies, whether factual or perceived, could deepen public skepticism about Nigeria’s elections.
As political tensions continue to build, Akpabio’s defence of the “victory is sure” remark appears to have intensified, rather than eased, concerns over neutrality and transparency.
For many Nigerians, the debate now goes beyond a single phrase, touching on the broader question of whether the country’s electoral umpire can truly remain impartial in a highly charged political climate.