Senators have publicly endorsed Senate President Godswill Akpabio to retain his position in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that there will be “no vacancy” in the office when the next Senate is inaugurated in 2027.
The declaration was made during plenary in Abuja on Thursday, 15 October 2026, as lawmakers expressed support for the continuation of the current Senate leadership.
According to TheCable, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, expressed confidence that most serving senators would win re-election in 2027.
Monguno declared that there would be no vacancy in the Senate presidency, extending the position to the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers.
Senators voice support for Akpabio
Cyril Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North, supported Monguno’s declaration and said Akpabio should remain Senate President in the next National Assembly.
Akpabio subsequently asked senators present whether they supported the position.
Lawmakers responded in the affirmative, while no audible opposition was recorded during the exchange.
Channels Television also reported the declaration, describing it as a show of support for Akpabio’s continued leadership.
The endorsement signals backing among participating senators, but it does not establish that Akpabio has been elected to lead the next Senate.
What the endorsement means for 2027
The 11th National Assembly will be constituted after the 2027 general elections, when newly elected lawmakers take their seats.
Under Section 50 of Nigeria’s Constitution, the President and Deputy President of the Senate must be elected by members of the chamber from among themselves.
This means that the next Senate will be responsible for choosing its presiding officers, regardless of endorsements made by members of the current assembly.
Akpabio would also need to retain his Senate seat to be eligible for election as Senate President.
The declaration therefore represents a political commitment by serving lawmakers rather than a constitutional decision binding the next assembly.
Endorsement follows controversy over suicide prevention bill
The show of support came after Akpabio addressed criticism of comments he made during the Senate consideration of a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide.
During Thursday’s plenary, Akpabio argued that his earlier remarks had been taken out of context and rejected suggestions that he intended to disparage Islam.
The Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South, passed its second reading on Tuesday, 13 October.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace criminal punishment for attempted suicide with a framework focused on prevention, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and continued support for survivors.
The bill remains under legislative consideration and has not become law.
Senate leadership contest remains open
The endorsement comes as political discussions begin over the composition and leadership of the next National Assembly.
BusinessDay reported that the declaration took place amid emerging calculations over the leadership of the 11th Senate.
Although participating lawmakers have expressed confidence in Akpabio’s return, the outcome will depend on the 2027 elections and the subsequent leadership election in the new Senate.
For now, Thursday’s declaration demonstrates political support for Akpabio, not a completed election or a legal restriction on other eligible candidates.
