Ben Murray-Bruce Defends Akpabio Against Atiku’s Corruption Allegations

Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has publicly countered ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent characterization of Senate President Godswill Akpabio as corrupt. The exchange follows Atiku’s Wednesday interview on Arise News where he linked Akpabio’s past governance of Akwa Ibom State to the National Assembly’s swift endorsement of President Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State.

In a Facebook post hours after the broadcast, the Silverbird Group founder and former Bayelsa East senator offered a robust defense of Akpabio’s integrity. Murray-Bruce emphasized their personal relationship while highlighting the Senate President’s clean bill of health from multiple investigations.

“I know Senator Godswill Akpabio personally and intimately,” wrote the entertainment mogul-turned-politician. “He’s a man of unimpeachable character whose leadership comes at a crucial juncture for national development.” The statement referenced “independent investigative agencies” that allegedly cleared Akpabio despite intense scrutiny from both allies and opponents.

The PDP stalwart framed his intervention as necessary institutional protection, stating: “I won’t standby while partisan interests undermine an institution I proudly served.” His remarks underscored concerns about destabilizing the legislature during Nigeria’s fragile democratic progression.

Murray-Bruce’s defense arrives amid heightened political tensions following the Rivers crisis and renewed scrutiny of Akpabio’s tenure as Akwa Ibom governor (2007-2015). While acknowledging critics’ right to skepticism, he dismissed allegations as “innuendo and hearsay” lacking factual substantiation.

The public exchange spotlights deepening fractures within opposition ranks as Atiku positions himself as government critic ahead of potential 2027 political maneuvers. Observers note Murray-Bruce’s rare public alignment with Akpabio – a former PDP governor now in the ruling APC – signals complex realignments in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Neither Atiku nor Akpabio had responded to the rebuttal at press time, leaving room for potential escalation of the rare public confrontation between Nigeria’s political heavyweights.