Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ignited a firestorm of criticism in Plateau State following a controversial comment made during the funeral of the late mother of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The burial took place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos.
In his remarks, attended by President Bola Tinubu and other top APC figures, Akpabio told the grieving Yilwatda that his mother “chose the right time to die.” The statement stunned mourners and triggered a wave of outrage online, with many calling it callous and disrespectful.
Social media erupted with condemnation. David Akpa, a Facebook user, posted, “What was the Senate President thinking, saying that to a family in mourning? It’s utterly insensitive.” Ishaku Dakas added, “Akpabio’s never been one for tactful public speaking, but this was beyond thoughtless at a mother’s burial.” Polycarp Sanda echoed the sentiment, questioning, “Who chooses when they die? His words were tasteless, and he needs to learn how to address a crowd.”
Residents also criticized Akpabio and other APC leaders for allegedly turning the somber occasion into a political spectacle, suggesting their attendance was a strategic move to boost visibility ahead of the 2027 elections rather than a genuine show of sympathy.
As of now, Akpabio has not issued an apology or clarified his remarks, leaving the controversy to simmer among Nigerians demanding accountability for the insensitive comment.
