2027: Akpabio’s fate will be decided by Senate – APC chairman

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said the decision on whether Godswill Akpabio will return as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly rests with senators, not the ruling party.

Yilwatda said the APC would not impose a candidate for the position, adding that lawmakers would determine who leads the Senate after the 2027 general elections.

The party chairman spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he explained the distinction between the Senate’s choice of its presiding officer and the party’s role in selecting the Senate Majority Leader.

“The Senate actually determines it (Senate President). Let’s wait for the election first. Do you know what? I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine whoever they want to make as Senate President. Well, the party will only just bring the majority leader,” he said.

His comments come amid growing political interest in the Senate Presidency ahead of the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly, which is expected to follow the 2027 elections.

The debate has been influenced by an amendment to the Senate’s standing rules earlier this year. The revised rules restrict eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have served at least two consecutive terms.

Under the arrangement, only members of the current 10th Senate who secure re-election in 2027 would qualify to contest for Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

Former senators, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, have also been mentioned among those considering a return to the upper chamber and a possible bid for its leadership.

Meanwhile, Akpabio’s supporters have already made moves to endorse him for another term as Senate President.

At a recent Senate sitting, Senator Tahir Monguno moved a motion backing Akpabio for the position in the next Assembly, while Senator Cyril Fasuyi supported it.

Fasuyi 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, who acknowledged the interest in the position, noted that the offices of President and Vice-President had already been settled through the executive political process, leaving the Senate Presidency as a possible contest.

“I know the position of president is gone, the position of vice president is gone, the only one that is left now is the position of Senate President. So, everybody will want to contest that,” he said.

He subsequently asked senators whether the endorsement reflected their general position. Lawmakers responded in the affirmative, after which Akpabio remarked, “They are not here. I think that settles it.”

Akpabio had also cautioned governors against abandoning their constituents in pursuit of political offices that might not be available. Speaking at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, he drew from his experience as Akwa Ibom State governor for eight years.

“For my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people. I did eight years as a governor. And the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” he said.

Despite the endorsement by some senators, Yilwatda maintained that the choice of the next Senate President would ultimately be made by members of the upper chamber.