‘No vacancy,’ senators back Akpabio for second term
Senators have expressed support for Godswill Akpabio’s re-election as Senate President, declaring there is ‘no vacancy’ for the office in the 11th Assembly Read More:…
The Senate President is elected by members of the upper chamber at the start of each National Assembly and wields significant influence over Nigeria's legislative agenda, including control of the chamber's order of business and its relationship with the executive. Contests for the position have historically been fiercely fought, sometimes splitting the ruling party and triggering horse-trading along zonal and factional lines, as seen in previous Assemblies.
Godswill Akpabio currently occupies the office, having emerged as Senate President at the start of the 10th Assembly. With attention already turning to the 2027 general elections and the composition of the 11th Assembly, declarations of support from sitting senators signal an early attempt to forestall a leadership contest and consolidate backing for Akpabio ahead of time, though such endorsements are not binding and the actual composition of the next Senate — and any rival ambitions — will only be determined after the 2027 polls.