Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received the backing of some lawmakers for another term in office, following a declaration by senators that there would be “no vacancy” in the leadership of the upper legislative chamber in the 11th National Assembly.
The endorsement was made during plenary on Thursday, when Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi expressed support for Akpabio’s return after the 2027 general election.
Monguno, who represents Borno North, said he expected most serving senators to return to the chamber, adding that the positions occupied by the Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal officers should be regarded as unavailable for contest.
“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.
Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North, aligned himself with the position, describing Akpabio as the occupant of 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,” he said.
“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.”
Akpabio subsequently sought the chamber’s response to the declaration, asking senators who supported it to indicate their position.
“Those in support say aye,” he said, prompting a loud response from lawmakers.
When he called on those opposed to speak, no dissenting response was heard.
“They are not here. I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.
The endorsement signals support from some members of the current Senate for Akpabio to retain the position after the next general election. However, the leadership of the 11th National Assembly will ultimately be determined by the incoming senators through the prescribed legislative process.
Akpabio defends remarks on suicide bill
The endorsement came on the same day Akpabio responded to criticism over comments he made during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.
The bill, sponsored by Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River South, was considered on Tuesday. During the debate, Akpabio said some young people contemplate suicide because they believe seven virgins await them in the afterlife.
The remark triggered criticism from some commentators, who accused the Senate President of denigrating Muslims.
Addressing the controversy on Thursday, Akpabio warned against what he described as the misinterpretation of discussions in the Senate, insisting that disagreements during legislative debates should not be portrayed as attacks on religious groups.
“I don’t like the idea of people sitting down on television and trying to misinterpret what we discuss here in the senate,” he said.
“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 also rejected suggestions that he would deliberately disparage Islam, citing his relationships with Muslims and his record of supporting religious pilgrimages during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He said he had sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the holy land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.
The Senate President urged commentators to focus on substantive issues rather than what he considered attempts to tarnish individuals’ reputations.
The exchanges came as political attention increasingly turns to the 2027 elections and the composition of the next National Assembly, with the latest declarations providing an indication of support for Akpabio among some of his colleagues.
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