- Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied claims that foreign embassies are closing due to insecurity in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
- He stated that changes in diplomatic staff levels are not related to Nigeria’s electoral process.
- Akpabio emphasized that these adjustments are influenced by broader global security issues, not specific developments in Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted claims suggesting that foreign embassies are shutting down operations ahead of the 2027 general elections due to insecurity concerns in Nigeria.
Speaking during a plenary session, Akpabio clarified that the movement or reduction of diplomatic staff in some countries should not be linked to Nigeria’s electoral process. According to him, the adjustments being observed are driven by broader global security issues rather than any developments within Nigeria.
He explained that several nations are currently reassessing their diplomatic presence worldwide because of rising international tensions, particularly concerns involving potential conflict between Iran and the United States.
“Some people are saying that some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are closing down. Many of the embassies are afraid of the repercussions from their foes,” he said.
He further noted that fears of possible attacks have prompted some countries to temporarily scale down embassy operations in various locations as a precautionary measure. He emphasized that these actions are not connected to Nigeria’s upcoming elections, stressing that “election will come and go” without influencing such global decisions.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to avoid spreading misinformation and to understand that diplomatic adjustments are part of worldwide security responses, not a reflection of the country’s political climate.
His comments follow reports that the United States Embassy in Abuja recently suspended scheduled visa appointments amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria.
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