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Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received support from lawmakers seeking his re-election as Senate President of the National Assembly in 2027.
Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi declared during Thursday’s plenary that there was “no vacancy” in the office.
Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, said he expected most incumbent senators to return to the Senate after the 2027 general elections. He also expressed confidence that Akpabio would retain his position.
“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 the declaration to the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers of the Senate. Similarly, Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, backed Akpabio’s bid for a second term. He said the Senate presidency in the next Assembly was already occupied.
“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 they agreed with the position. When he called on supporters to say “aye,” the response was audible across the chamber. However, no audible response was recorded when he asked for opposing voices.
“I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.
The exchange marked a public show of support for Akpabio’s return to the Senate presidency. However, the declarations do not amount to a formal election or guarantee his re-election.
The leadership of the 11th National Assembly will be determined when senators elect their presiding officers after the 2027 general elections.
