Lawmakers back Akpabio, say no vacancy in Senate Presidency

The Senate on Thursday reaffirmed its support for Godswill Akpabio, declaring that the office of the Senate President was not vacant amid what he described as political attacks against his leadership.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Tahir Monguno and seconded by Cyril Fasuyi, who maintained that Akpabio remained the occupant of the office.

The development comes amid emerging political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with interest in the leadership of the 11th National Assembly beginning to generate discussions within political circles.

Akpabio, speaking during plenary, said the Senate presidency had become a target of political attacks following the resolution of questions surrounding the leadership of the executive arm of government.

He urged Nigerians, particularly television commentators, to avoid misrepresenting proceedings of the Senate, citing the controversy surrounding his remarks during Tuesday’s debate on a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.

The Senate President said his comments on the proposed legislation had been taken out of context, insisting that he did not intend to disparage any religious group.

He explained that his position was informed by his Christian faith, which forbids suicide, while also noting that the proposed legislation was part of efforts to bring Nigeria’s legal framework in line with contemporary legislative practice.

Akpabio further cited his long-standing relationship with his aide-de-camp, a Muslim who has served him for 19 years, as evidence that he would not deliberately make derogatory remarks against another religion.

His clarification followed public reactions to an exchange during Tuesday’s plenary, when lawmakers considered a bill proposing a shift from criminal punishment for attempted suicide to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

During the debate, the sponsor of the bill, Senator Asuquo, argued that prosecuting survivors of suicide attempts could discourage vulnerable people from seeking help and expose them to further harm.

He advocated a framework that would enable health facilities, government agencies and first responders to provide appropriate medical and psychological support to people experiencing suicidal crises.

Akpabio had questioned aspects of the proposal, maintaining that attempted suicide remained a criminal offence under the existing legal framework.

The exchange attracted criticism following reports of his remarks suggesting that anyone who attempted suicide should succeed or risk imprisonment.

Returning to the question of political leadership, Fasuyi backed the motion affirming Akpabio’s continued occupation of the Senate presidency.

Babangida Hussaini also expressed support for Akpabio, highlighting his contributions to his state and endorsing his return.

Hussaini, however, drew attention to the challenges posed by hard drugs and substance abuse, arguing that tackling the problem was necessary to curb criminality, banditry and terrorism.

The Senate’s declaration comes against the backdrop of political manoeuvring ahead of the next general elections, when a new National Assembly will emerge and lawmakers will elect their presiding officers.