‘No Vacancy’ — Senators Endorse Akpabio For Senate Presidency In 11th NASS
Senators have expressed overwhelming support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to retain his position in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that there is no vacancy in the Senate leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came during plenary on Thursday, following remarks by Akpabio addressing criticisms generated by his contributions to the debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).
Speaking on the controversy, Akpabio expressed concern over what he described as deliberate misinterpretation of discussions on the floor of the Senate, particularly by commentators seeking to give legislative debates religious or political colouration.
He maintained that contributions made by lawmakers during legislative proceedings should not be misconstrued as attacks on any religious group, stressing that disagreements and divergent opinions were essential ingredients of effective lawmaking.
“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,” he stated.
In a statement signed by EmemMaria Offiong, Deputy Director (Head: Information, Press and Public Relations), Akpabio dismissed insinuations that his remarks were intended to disparage Islam, citing his longstanding relationship with members of the Muslim community and his record of promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Recalling his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio disclosed that he had sponsored 5,800 Muslims on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, alongside over 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.
He urged public commentators to focus on the substance of legislative debates rather than engage in interpretations capable of damaging reputations or creating unnecessary religious divisions.
Following his remarks, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North), expressed confidence in Akpabio’s leadership and predicted that a majority of serving senators would secure re-election into the 11th National Assembly.
Monguno subsequently declared that the leadership positions in the next Senate were not vacant, throwing his weight behind the continuation of the present leadership.
“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 declared.
Corroborating his position, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) openly endorsed Akpabio for another term as President of the Senate.
“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,” Fasuyi declared.
Responding to the endorsements, Akpabio sought to ascertain whether the position enjoyed wider support within the chamber.
“Those in support say aye,” he called, drawing a resounding affirmative response from senators present at plenary.
The development underscored the confidence expressed by the lawmakers in Akpabio’s leadership of the 10th Senate and their desire for continuity.
The endorsement also reflected support for the existing Senate leadership, including the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers, ahead of the next legislative dispensation.
However, the expressions of support remain political endorsements, as the leadership of the 11th National Assembly will be determined through constitutional and parliamentary procedures following the 2027 general elections.
