Akpabio Seeks Backing to Retain Senate Presidency

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is seeking political backing to retain his position in the 11th National Assembly, appealing to President Bola Tinubu and receiving public support from two senators. The next Senate’s leadership, however, will be decided by senators after the 2027 elections, not by the declarations made so far. At the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on Wednesday, Akpabio asked Tinubu to support his bid for another term as Senate President. He also urged governors to focus on their current responsibilities rather than pursue other political offices. Akpabio did not name Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma in the reported remarks. Uzodimma told the gathering he would be on the ballot as an APC senatorial candidate in 2027. Akpabio’s appeal to Tinubu and his comments about governors came amid discussion of the next Senate leadership, but the available reports do not establish that Uzodimma has formally declared a bid for Senate President. On Thursday, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi publicly backed Akpabio’s return during a plenary session.