2027: Senators Declare ‘No Vacancy’ in Senate Presidency, Back Akpabio

Senators in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly have expressed support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to retain his position in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that there is “no vacancy” in the office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The declaration was made during Thursday’s plenary session on October 15, 2026, following a motion moved by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and supported by Senator Cyril Fasuyi.

Monguno expressed confidence that most serving senators would return after the elections and argued that Akpabio and other principal officers should retain their positions in the next Assembly if re-elected.

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

Senators Endorse Akpabio’s Second-Term Bid

Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, said he expected a majority of the current lawmakers to secure re-election and return to the chamber.

Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, backed the motion, saying the Senate presidency in the incoming Assembly should remain with Akpabio.

When Akpabio called for senators to indicate their support or opposition, lawmakers responded in favour of the declaration, with no audible opposition recorded.

The show of support extended beyond Akpabio to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other serving principal officers, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Monguno and Deputy Senate Whip Peter Nwaebonyi. Minority leadership figures were also mentioned in calls for returning officers to retain their positions if re-elected.

Declaration Follows Controversy Over Suicide Prevention Bill

The declaration came amid controversy surrounding Akpabio’s comments during Tuesday’s Senate debate on proposed legislation to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a national suicide prevention framework.

Akpabio said his remarks had been misrepresented and warned against what he described as politically motivated interpretations of Senate proceedings.

He also argued that the Senate presidency had become a target of political attacks ahead of the 2027 elections.

The proposed suicide prevention legislation passed its second reading and was referred to the relevant committees for further consideration.

Next Senate Leadership Remains Undecided

Although the declaration signals support for Akpabio’s return, it does not formally determine who will lead the 11th National Assembly.

The next Senate presidency will depend on the outcome of the 2027 senatorial elections and the election of presiding officers by the newly constituted Senate when the 11th National Assembly is inaugurated.

The current Senate’s declaration therefore represents a political endorsement rather than a binding guarantee that Akpabio will retain the position.

The development comes as political discussions over the leadership of the next National Assembly begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.