By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate on Thursday threw its weight behind Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s return to the leadership of the 11th National Assembly, declaring that the presidency should not be thrown open to fresh contest.
The position followed a motion moved by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, and seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, during plenary.
Monguno said the current leadership should retain their positions if they secure re-election in the 2027 general election, extending the endorsement to the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers.
“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 added that there was “no vacancy at all” in the offices of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers, urging continuity in the next Assembly.
Fasuyi, in seconding the motion, specifically declared that Akpabio’s seat should not be subjected to another contest.
“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,” he said.
The motion was subjected to a voice vote by Akpabio, with senators present responding in support. “I think that settles it,” the Senate President declared.
However, the declaration does not legally foreclose the election of presiding officers by the next Senate. The Constitution requires newly elected senators to elect their presiding officers when the 11th National Assembly is inaugurated.
The endorsement therefore represents the position of senators who backed the motion, while the eventual outcome will depend on the composition of the next Senate after the 2027 elections.
The development comes amid speculation over possible contenders for the Senate presidency, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Meanwhile, Akpabio cautioned against what he described as politically motivated interpretations of legislative debates, following controversy over his comments during deliberations on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.
“When we discuss here, we discuss for and against, and in the course of our discussions, whatever we say should not anger anybody outside this chamber, because at the end, what matters is our final decision,” he said.
He urged commentators to focus on the Senate’s final resolutions rather than individual contributions made during debates.
“We want to make the best laws, so we are bound to oppose each other, and we are also bound to support each other,” Akpabio said.
He added: “No matter the discussion, please consider the final decision of the Senate. Don’t go and sit down in panels and try to do politically motivated discussions.”
Akpabio also rejected attempts to associate terrorism with any particular religion, saying: “Terrorists are not Muslims. Terrorists are not Christians. Terrorists are human beings who believe in taking their lives and the lives of others.”
Thursday’s endorsement signals an early attempt by Akpabio’s supporters to consolidate backing for continuity, although the final decision on the leadership of the 11th Senate remains with its elected members.
