LAWMAKERS DECLARE "NO VACANCY" IN SENATE LEADERSHIP, ENDORSING GODSWILL AKPABIO FOR 11TH SENATE PRESIDENCY

Serving senators unanimously endorse Senate President Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau for continuity ahead of the 11th National Assembly inauguration in 2027

Members of the Senate have declared that there is no vacancy in the office of the Senate President, formally endorsing Godswill Akpabio to retain his position in the upcoming 11th National Assembly following the 2027 general elections.

The vote of confidence was moved during plenary by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, who expressed optimism that serving lawmakers would secure re-election and affirmed that the presiding leadership positions, including that of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other principal officers, should remain unchanged.

Seconding the motion, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, declared that the top legislative seat in the 11th Assembly is not open to contest, asserting that Akpabio has effectively secured the endorsement of his colleagues for a second term.

Putting the declaration to a voice vote, Senate President Akpabio received overwhelming backing across the chamber without opposition, prompting him to remark that the unanimous outcome resolves ongoing political speculation regarding legislative leadership contests.

The public show of support comes amid heightened political maneuvers and media speculation concerning prospective contenders eyeing the leadership of the upper legislative chamber ahead of the 2027 political transition.

While leadership selection formally occurs upon the inauguration of each new assembly, the collective declaration signals strong internal cohesion within the current legislative leadership framework.