The Senate has expressed support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin retaining their leadership positions in the 11th National Assembly, provided they secure re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made on Thursday after Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno moved a motion, seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi, backing the return of the current presiding officers and other principal officers who win their respective elections.
The motion also named Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Monguno and Deputy Senate Whip Peter Nwaebonyi, as well as Minority Leader Abba Moro, Deputy Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumi and Minority Whip Tony Nwoye.
Monguno, who represents Borno North, reportedly moved the motion after Akpabio complained that political opponents were using controversies surrounding recent Senate debates to damage his reputation.
“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.
Fasuyi supported the motion, arguing that Akpabio’s position should not be treated as open for contest in the next Assembly. Akpabio subsequently put the declaration to a voice vote, and senators present responded in support.
However, the endorsement is a political declaration by members of the current Senate and does not remove the constitutional requirement for newly elected senators to choose their presiding officers when the 11th National Assembly is inaugurated. Any leadership arrangement will therefore depend on the composition of the next Senate and the choices made by its members.
The development comes amid speculation about possible contenders for the Senate presidency, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Before the motion was moved, Akpabio defended himself against what he described as politically motivated attempts to misrepresent his remarks during Tuesday’s debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.
He cautioned commentators against treating individual contributions during legislative proceedings as the final position of the Senate. He also rejected attempts to associate terrorism with any particular religion.
The debate has placed renewed attention on the relationship between parliamentary discussions, public interpretation and political messaging. Akpabio’s remarks came as senators considered legislation and responded to the public reaction surrounding their deliberations.
While the motion signals support for the current leadership among senators who backed it, the 2027 elections will determine which lawmakers return to the chamber. The selection of principal officers for the next Assembly will ultimately take place within the constitutional and parliamentary framework governing the Senate.
Deborah Adeyefa
