Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has firmly refuted widespread rumours suggesting that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is currently hospitalized in London. The senator, who recently made a brief stopover in the United Kingdom, clarified that he personally met with Akpabio during his visit and found him to be in excellent health, contrary to the claims circulating on social media.
According to Gbenga Daniel, his meeting with Akpabio was not only an opportunity to confirm the Senate President’s well-being but also a moment to formally brief him on his planned return to Nigeria ahead of the August 16 bye-election for the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency seat in Ogun State. This seat became vacant following the unfortunate passing of the former Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewumi Onanuga.
During the cordial encounter, Senator Daniel expressed his relief and satisfaction at seeing Akpabio in such good spirits. “Your Excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, Your Excellency,” Daniel said, emphasizing that the reality he witnessed was far removed from the negative reports making the rounds.
In a subsequent statement released by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President extended his gratitude to Gbenga Daniel for the courtesy visit and voiced his confidence in the ruling party’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming bye-election. “With the commitment and support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, your good self, and other stakeholders of our party in the state, we will retain the House of Representatives seat,” Akpabio remarked.
He went on to congratulate Senator Daniel in advance, noting with pride that both he and the Ogun State Governor share deep roots in the constituency. Addressing the swirling health rumours head-on, Akpabio dismissed the speculation as unfounded and misleading. “If you listen to the social media, you will go to war,” he said, underlining the need for the public to verify information before spreading it.
The meeting between the two political figures not only put to rest doubts about Akpabio’s health but also reinforced the unity and determination within the party ahead of a crucial electoral contest in Ogun State.