AKPABIO BACKS AUSTRALIAN CANDIDATE FOR IPU PRESIDENCY

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged Nigeria’s support for the Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, Milton Dick, in his bid to become the next President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Akpabio made the commitment on Monday when Dick visited Abuja to seek the support of the Nigerian Parliament ahead of the October election.

Represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, Akpabio said Nigeria had taken note of Dick’s experience within the IPU.

He cited Dick’s previous service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific group and his leadership of several IPU delegations.

Akpabio also said Dick’s stated commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy aligned with the objectives of the international parliamentary organisation.

He added that Nigeria would participate in the meeting of the African group scheduled for October 4, where the continent’s position on the election would be considered.

The IPU is scheduled to hold its 153rd Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 5 to 9, 2026. The election of a new president is expected to take place during the assembly.

Akpabio also called for stronger relations between Nigeria and Australia, particularly in mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.