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Some senators have endorsed Senate President Godswill Akpabio for re-election in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that the position is not open to contest.
The endorsement came during plenary on Thursday, following Akpabio’s response to criticism over his remarks during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.
Akpabio had faced backlash after suggesting during Wednesday’s debate that some young people contemplate suicide because they believe seven virgins await them in the afterlife. His comments drew criticism from opponents who accused him of denigrating Muslims.
Responding to the criticism on Thursday, Akpabio said comments made during Senate debates were sometimes taken out of context and misrepresented on television programmes for political purposes.
“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.
He added, “We want to make the best laws, so we are bound to oppose each other, and we are also bound to support each other.”
The Senate President also rejected suggestions that he would disparage Islam, citing his relationships with Muslims and his record of supporting religious pilgrimages while serving as governor.
Akpabio said he had sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the holy land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem. He urged commentators to focus on substantive issues rather than attempts to damage people’s reputations.
Following his remarks, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, expressed confidence that many serving senators would return to the chamber after the 2027 general election.
“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.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, also backed Akpabio’s return, describing him 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.
He added, “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 asked senators whether they supported the position. The chamber responded with a loud “aye” when he called for those in favour, while no senator spoke against it.
“They are not here. I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.
