Lawmakers Back Akpabio for 11th Senate Presidency, Declare ‘No Vacancy’

Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi have endorsed Godswill Akpabio for a second term as Senate President, declaring the position unavailable for contest ahead of the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly in 2027.

Daniel Momodu · October 16, 2026 · 93

Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi have expressed support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s bid to retain the position in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that there is “no vacancy” in the office.

The lawmakers made their positions known during Thursday’s plenary, where they expressed confidence that most serving senators would return to the chamber after the 2027 general elections.

Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, said he expected the majority of incumbent senators to secure re-election and support Akpabio’s continuation as Senate President.

He declared that the position was not open for contest and extended the statement to the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers of the Senate.

Similarly, Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, supported the position, saying Akpabio was already regarded by the lawmakers as the occupant of the Senate presidency in the next Assembly.

Following the declarations, Akpabio asked senators whether they supported the position. Those in favour responded affirmatively when he called for an “aye” vote, while no audible response was recorded when he asked for opposing voices.

“I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.

The exchange provided a public demonstration of support for Akpabio’s second-term ambition, although it does not constitute a formal election to determine the leadership of the next Senate.

The leadership of the 11th National Assembly will be determined by newly elected senators when the chamber is inaugurated after the 2027 general elections. The Senate President and Deputy Senate President are elected by their colleagues at the commencement of a new Assembly.

Akpabio, who assumed office as Senate President in June 2023, is seeking to retain the position for another term.

The endorsement comes amid growing political discussions over the leadership of the next Senate, with the outcome expected to depend on the composition of the chamber following the forthcoming elections and the decisions of its members.