2027: No vacancy in senate leadership – Senators

Senators in the 10th National Assembly have declared that there is no vacancy in the office of the Senate President ahead of the inauguration of the 11th Senate in 2027, endorsing Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Barau Jibrin, for another term.

The resolution was adopted on Thursday through a voice vote during plenary following a motion moved by the Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, and seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North.

The lawmakers expressed confidence that Akpabio, Jibrin and other principal officers who secure re-election in the January 16, 2027 National Assembly election should return to their respective leadership positions without opposition.

Monguno, while moving the motion, expressed optimism that many of the serving senators would return to the 11th Senate, insisting that the positions of Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal officers should remain with the current occupants.

“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. Sir, including the seat of DSP, there is no vacancy, including principal officers,” he said.

Fasuyi, who seconded the motion, also declared that the Senate presidency was not open to contest, describing Akpabio as the occupant of the position in the incoming assembly.

The senators further endorsed the return of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Whip Monguno and Deputy Senate Whip Peter Nwaebonyi, provided they win re-election.

Other principal officers mentioned included Minority Leader Abba Moro, Deputy Minority Leader Oyewumi Olalere and Minority Whip Tony Nwoye.

Akpabio’s comments on suicide bill

The resolution followed Akpabio’s remarks during plenary in which he cautioned against what he described as the misrepresentation of his comments on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, representing Cross River South, seeks to establish a framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide for the treatment and support of people who attempt suicide.

The proposal scaled second reading on Tuesday despite Akpabio’s opposition to removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide.

During the debate, the Senate President argued that decriminalisation could encourage the act, insisting that attempted suicide should remain punishable under the law.

“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” Akpabio had said.

He subsequently explained that his position was not intended to disparage any religious group, arguing that terrorism and suicide bombings should not be associated with a particular religion.

Akpabio also maintained that Nigeria’s Criminal Code and Penal Code required careful consideration alongside the National Mental Health Act to avoid contradictions in the law.

2027 politics behind leadership debate

Addressing his colleagues on Thursday, Akpabio alleged that some television commentators had misrepresented his remarks for political reasons ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the Senate should be allowed to debate bills and reach decisions without lawmakers being portrayed as hostile to particular religious communities.

The Senate President also cited his relationships with Muslim colleagues and aides as evidence that he respected different religious beliefs.

In a remark that drew attention to the forthcoming political contests, Akpabio said the Senate presidency had become a major target because the offices of president and vice-president were already effectively beyond the reach of new contenders.

“The position of president and vice president is gone; the only one left is the position of the Senate President, so anyone can talk down on me,” he said.

Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing Jigawa North-West, also praised Akpabio’s contributions to national development and called for greater efforts to tackle drug abuse, which he linked to criminality and insecurity.

However, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, said he was not present in the chamber when the resolution was adopted.

“I was not in the chamber when the said resolution was taken,” Ndume said.

The latest declaration comes amid previous disagreements over the eligibility rules for leadership positions in the 11th Senate.

In May 2026, the Senate amended its standing orders to restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to ranking lawmakers returning from the 10th Senate. The move was subsequently reversed on May 8, reopening the leadership contest to all elected senators regardless of tenure.

Thursday’s resolution signals support among serving lawmakers for Akpabio and other current principal officers to retain their positions if re-elected, although the leadership of the incoming Senate will ultimately depend on the decisions of senators elected into the 11th National Assembly.