Some senators have thrown their weight behind Godswill Akpabio to return as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly, saying the seat is not vacant.
The development could narrow the chances of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also aspiring to the position.
The endorsement came after Akpabio spoke during plenary on Thursday, following criticism of his comments on a suicide prevention bill a day earlier.
During debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River South, on Tuesday, Akpabio had said some young people consider suicide because they believe seven virgins await them in the afterlife.
The remark drew backlash, with critics accusing the Senate President of attacking Muslims.
Responding on Thursday, Akpabio said debates in the chamber should not be seen as attacks on any religious group.
He said he was worried that comments made during debates were being taken out of context on television and used for political purposes.
“I don’t like the idea of people sitting down on television and trying to misinterpret what we discuss here in the Senate.
“We want to make the best laws, so we are bound to oppose each other, and we are also bound to support each other,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio also dismissed claims that he would disparage Islam, pointing to his personal ties with Muslims and his record of supporting religious pilgrimages when he was governor.
He said he sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the Holy Land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.
The Senate President also asked commentators to focus on issues rather than attempt to tarnish people’s images.
After his remarks, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, said he was confident that most serving lawmakers would return to the Senate after the 2027 general election.
“Insha Allah, by the grace of God, majority of us are going to make it back to the Senate, and this seat is hereby declared: there is no vacancy. Including the seat of DSP, there is no vacancy — including principal officers,” Monguno said.
Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) also backed the position, describing Akpabio as the person to occupy the Senate presidency in the next assembly.
“My name is Senator Cyril Fasuyi from Ekiti North, a serving senator and an incoming senator in the 11th 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. It is already occupied by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio,” he said.
Akpabio subsequently asked lawmakers whether the position reflected the general view of the Senate.
“Those in support say aye,” he said, drawing a resounding response from senators.
11th Senate: ‘No vacancy’ — Senators endorse Akpabio as Uzodinma chances get slimmer