‘No Vacancy’: Senators Endorse Akpabio for Second Term as Senate President

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received public endorsements from lawmakers seeking his return as presiding officer of the 11th National Assembly, with two senators declaring that there is “no vacancy” in the position.

The endorsements came during Thursday’s plenary session, where Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi expressed confidence that Akpabio would retain his seat when the next National Assembly is inaugurated in 2027.

Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, said he expected most incumbent senators to return to the chamber, expressing optimism that Akpabio would continue as Senate President.

“Insha Allah, by the grace of God, the majority of us are going to make it back to the Senate, and this seat is hereby declared: there is no vacancy,” Monguno said.

He extended his declaration of support to the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers of the Senate.

Similarly, Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, threw his weight behind Akpabio’s second-term ambition, insisting that the Senate presidency in the next Assembly was not open for competition.

Advertisement

“I hereby support the motion ably moved by Senator Monguno that the seat of the Senate President in the 11th Assembly is not open to any contest. It is already occupied by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio,” Fasuyi said.

Following the declarations, Akpabio asked senators whether the position reflected the general view of the chamber.

When he called on those in support to respond with “aye,” the chamber responded audibly. However, no audible opposition was recorded when he invited senators to speak against the position.

“I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.

The exchange provided a public demonstration of support for Akpabio’s possible return as Senate President, although the endorsements do not amount to a formal election for the leadership of the next National Assembly.

The emergence of the Senate President and other presiding officers of the 11th National Assembly will ultimately be determined by a vote when the new legislature is inaugurated following the 2027 general elections.

Advertisement