Akpabio made the remark while speaking at the commissioning of access roads to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in the Karsana District of the Federal Capital Territory.
The event formed part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office and was attended by government officials, political leaders, and other dignitaries.
During his address at the ceremony, Akpabio reacted to comments earlier made by Wike, who had praised him for his performance during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the Peoples Democratic Party.
He explained that his political career as a governor predated the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), making his experience different from that of many current members of the ruling party.
Akpabio stated that he had already spent several years serving as governor before the APC was established in 2014.
He explained that his years in office under the PDP placed him among the older generation of political office holders who were already serving before the current political realignments that produced the APC.
Referring humorously to his long political journey, he described himself as an "ancestor," suggesting that he belongs to an earlier era of political leadership compared to many of today's political actors.
The Senate President made the remarks while representing President Bola Tinubu at the commissioning of the newly constructed access roads leading to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in the Karsana District of Abuja.
The infrastructure project is one of several initiatives undertaken by the Federal Capital Territory Administration as part of activities commemorating the President's third year in office.
The event also provided an opportunity for senior government officials to highlight the administration's commitment to infrastructure development in the nation's capital.
Earlier in his remarks, Wike had introduced Akpabio by commending his performance as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, describing him as an uncommon performer during his time in office under the Peoples Democratic Party.
Akpabio responded by expressing appreciation for the commendation while reiterating that his record in public office dates back to a period before the formation of the APC.
He also referred to Wike as the National Leader of the winning faction of the PDP while addressing the gathering during the commissioning ceremony.
He said, “APC was born in about 2014 and by that time I was already seven and a half years as a governor and that’s why I sometimes refer to myself as an ancestor."
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