Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received public expressions of support for his re-election as presiding officer of the 11th National Assembly, following declarations by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi that there is “no vacancy” in the office.
The lawmakers expressed their support during Thursday’s plenary, signalling confidence in Akpabio’s chances of retaining the Senate presidency when the next National Assembly is inaugurated in 2027.
Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, said he was optimistic that most incumbent senators would return to the chamber after the 2027 general elections, paving the way for continuity in the Senate leadership.
“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.
The Senate Chief Whip also extended his declaration of support to the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers of the chamber.
Fasuyi Backs Akpabio’s Second-Term Ambition
Similarly, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, endorsed Akpabio’s ambition to return as Senate President in the next Assembly.
Fasuyi said the position should not be considered open for contest, arguing that Akpabio already occupied the office ahead of the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly.
“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. Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio already occupies it,” Fasuyi said.
The declarations provided a public show of support for Akpabio as political conversations surrounding the leadership of the next National Assembly begin to emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio Seeks Senators’ Position on ‘No Vacancy’ Declaration
Following the endorsements, Akpabio asked senators whether the declaration reflected the general position of the chamber.
When he called on those in support to respond with “aye,” the response was audible across the Senate chamber. However, no audible response was recorded when he invited those opposed to speak.
“I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.
The exchange highlighted the support expressed by the two lawmakers and the affirmative response from senators present during the session.
However, the declarations do not amount to a formal election or guarantee Akpabio’s return as Senate President in the next Assembly.
What Happens to the Senate Presidency After the 2027 Elections?
The leadership of the 11th National Assembly will ultimately be determined by the election of presiding officers following the 2027 general elections and the inauguration of the new legislature.
Although Monguno and Fasuyi have publicly backed Akpabio’s return, the composition of the next Senate will depend on the outcome of the legislative elections. The eventual choice of Senate President will be determined through the applicable parliamentary process.
Akpabio’s prospects will therefore depend on the political alignments and decisions that emerge after the elections, as well as the support he can secure among senators in the incoming Assembly.
For now, the “no vacancy” declaration represents a public expression of confidence in his leadership rather than a binding decision on who will preside over the Senate from 2027.