By Peace Udugba
A retired Major General of the Nigerian Army and prominent Northern elder, Haruna Garba Gololo, popularly known as Garus Gololo, has reportedly been arrested in Abuja after criticising Senate President Godswill Akpabio over comments linked to the 2027 presidential election.
The Daily Torch Media gathered that Gololo was picked up at Grand Square Supermarket in Abuja after a viral video surfaced online in which he attacked Akpabio over remarks allegedly suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would return to office in 2027 “whether Northerners like it or not.”
Sources familiar with the development, who spoke to Sahara Reporters, said the retired military officer was allegedly invited for questioning following the circulation of the video.
The controversy reportedly stemmed from comments attributed to Akpabio, which drew backlash from some Northern political stakeholders who viewed the statement as provocative and dismissive of the region’s political importance.
Gololo, known for his outspoken political views, emerged as one of the strongest critics of the Senate President following the remarks.
In the now-viral video, the retired general accused Akpabio of disrespecting Northern Nigerians and attempting to dictate political choices ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Okay, good afternoon, my fellow Nigerians, once again. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, we heard your message,” Gololo said.
“You said the Northern vote does not matter and that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is coming back. No problem. What was your own vote in the last election? Did you win anything? What vote did you bring from Akwa Ibom? You brought nothing. It was Northerners who supported your emergence as Senate President, and today you are telling us whether we like it or not.”
Gololo insisted that Northerners had the constitutional right to freely decide who to support in future elections, stressing that no politician could compel citizens to vote for any candidate.
“You said whether we vote for Tinubu or not, Tinubu is coming back, and unless we leave the country. You are the one who should leave the country. We are Nigerians and we are citizens,” he stated.
The retired general also launched a scathing attack on Akpabio, accusing him of corruption and alleging that he had unresolved issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“When you are facing EFCC charges over Akwa Ibom money and still become Senate President, it is a shame. Shame on you. Somebody prosecuted by Festus Keyamo is now speaking to Nigerians with arrogance,” he alleged.
Gololo further described Akpabio as “the worst Senate President,” “the most corrupt Senate President,” and “an unuseful Senate President.”
He maintained that Northern voters would independently determine their political direction ahead of the 2027 election.
“We are Northerners and we are proud to be Northerners. We are not going to vote for Tinubu. We will vote for Atiku. Nobody can tell us who to vote for,” he declared.
The retired general also questioned Akpabio’s political value during the 2023 election.
“Are you the one who made us vote for Tinubu in 2023? We voted for Tinubu. What vote did you bring from Akwa Ibom? What did you contribute to Tinubu’s victory? Nonsense,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Akpabio nor his media aides had officially responded to the allegations and comments made by the retired general.
