‘No Vacancy’: Senators Back Akpabio for 11th Senate Presidency

Senators have expressed support for Godswill Akpabio’s return as President of the Senate in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that the position would not be open to a contest when the next legislature is inaugurated in 2027. The declaration was made during plenary on Thursday, October 15, following comments by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who backed Akpabio’s second-term ambition. Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, expressed confidence that most incumbent senators would return to the chamber after the next general elections and continue serving under Akpabio’s 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. He extended the declaration to the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers of the chamber. Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, also supported the position, arguing that the Senate presidency should not be considered open to competition in the next 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.

Akpabio seeks senators’ backing

Following the declarations, Akpabio asked senators whether the position reflected the general view of the chamber. When he called on those in support to respond with “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 provided a public demonstration of support for the Senate President’s ambition to retain his position in the next National Assembly. However, the declarations do not amount to a formal election of presiding officers for the 11th Senate. The leadership of the next Assembly will be determined after the 2027 general elections, when elected senators choose their presiding officers. The current Senate’s endorsement therefore reflects the position expressed by the lawmakers during Thursday’s sitting rather than a completed process for determining the next Senate leadership.

Support follows controversy over Senate debate

The declaration came amid public discussion over Akpabio’s recent remarks during deliberations on a proposed bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a framework for suicide prevention. The bill prompted debate in the Senate over whether people who survive suicide attempts should face criminal prosecution or receive medical care and psychological support. Akpabio subsequently cautioned Nigerians against taking contributions made during plenary out of context, arguing that remarks made during legislative debates should not be confused with the Senate’s final position on a matter. The Senate President said his comments had been misinterpreted and stressed the need to distinguish individual contributions during debates from the eventual decisions of the chamber. The issue attracted public attention as the Senate considered the proposed legislation, which seeks to establish a framework for prevention, treatment and support for people experiencing suicidal crises. Against this background, the subsequent expressions of support for Akpabio also provided an opportunity for lawmakers to publicly affirm their confidence in his continued leadership.

2027 elections will determine next Senate

The contest for leadership of the 11th National Assembly will take shape after the 2027 general elections, when newly elected lawmakers take their seats and choose the officers who will preside over the Senate. Akpabio’s current supporters have indicated that they want him to continue in office, but his return will depend on the political and legislative process that follows the elections. The composition of the next Senate will be significant because the presiding officers must emerge from the lawmakers who secure seats in the incoming Assembly. Consequently, the declaration that there is “no vacancy” should be understood as an expression of support by serving senators rather than a decision that removes the formal selection process for the next Senate President. For now, the public endorsement signals that Akpabio has supporters within the current chamber who want him to retain the position. The final outcome, however, will depend on the 2027 elections and the subsequent selection of the Senate’s leadership.