Senators Make Declaration On Senate Presidency

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has received robust backing for his potential return as presiding officer of the 11th National Assembly, with Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi formally declaring that there is no vacancy in the office.

The expressions of support were voiced during Thursday’s plenary session, as lawmakers signaled strong confidence in Akpabio retaining his position following the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Highlighting expectations for the legislative future, Senator Monguno, representing Borno North Senatorial District, expressed optimism that incumbent members would return to the upper chamber, stating, 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 further expanded the endorsement to include the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal leadership positions within the chamber.

Echoing these sentiments, Senator Fasuyi of Ekiti North Senatorial District threw his weight behind Akpabio’s second-term ambitions, remarking, 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.

Following the statements, Akpabio put the sentiment to a voice vote on the chamber floor. While a resounding aye echoed through the hall in support, no opposing votes were registered.

Concluding the session, Akpabio noted, I think that settles it, though parliamentary observers note that formal leadership selection for the 11th National Assembly will ultimately occur upon its official inauguration post-2027.