By Our Correspondent
As political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, a group of senators has declared that there is no vacancy in the Senate presidency, signalling support for the possible return of Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a second term in the 11th National Assembly.
The declaration has added a new dimension to the emerging political conversations surrounding the leadership of the National Assembly, with supporters of Akpabio expressing confidence in his chances of retaining the position after the next general elections.
The position was reportedly articulated by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who maintained that the Senate presidency should remain with Akpabio, pointing to the prospect of continuity in the leadership of the upper legislative chamber.
Monguno’s declaration reflects an emerging position among some lawmakers who believe that retaining the current Senate President would provide continuity in the management of legislative affairs and the implementation of the Assembly’s agenda.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, also reportedly expressed support for Akpabio’s continued leadership, adding to the voices backing his possible return in the next Senate.
The declaration reportedly received an affirmative voice vote from senators present, although the development should not be interpreted as a formal election or a guarantee of Akpabio’s return to office.
The call for continuity comes at a time when political stakeholders are beginning to consider the composition and leadership of the 11th National Assembly, which will emerge from the 2027 general elections.
For supporters of Akpabio, retaining the current Senate President represents an opportunity to sustain the existing leadership structure and maintain the direction of legislative business.
They argue that experience, institutional stability and familiarity with legislative procedures are important considerations when deciding who should lead the Senate.
However, the question of who eventually occupies the Senate presidency will depend on the outcome of the 2027 elections and the decisions of senators elected into the next Assembly.
Despite the show of support, the road to the 11th National Assembly remains open, as Nigerians prepare to elect representatives who will determine the composition of the next Senate.
The Senate President is elected by senators themselves, meaning that the eventual outcome will depend on the lawmakers who secure election or re-election and the voting process when the new Senate is inaugurated.
Consequently, the current declaration is best understood as an early political signal rather than a final decision on the leadership of the next Assembly.
Political observers will be watching closely to see whether the expressed support translates into a broader consensus among senators and whether other political interests emerge as the 2027 elections approach.
Akpabio’s possible return to the Senate presidency is likely to remain a subject of political discussion in the coming months, particularly as parties and lawmakers begin positioning themselves ahead of the elections.
The latest declaration places the question of continuity at the centre of the conversation and highlights the importance of negotiations, political alliances and support within the Senate.
Nevertheless, the final decision will be made through the constitutional and parliamentary processes governing the election of the Senate President.
The development also underscores the significance of early political alignments in Nigeria’s legislative politics. Expressions of support from serving lawmakers can shape discussions about future leadership, even though they do not determine the final outcome.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, attention is expected to focus on the political parties, candidates and alliances that will influence the composition of the next National Assembly.
For now, the message from the senators backing Akpabio is clear: they want continuity in the Senate presidency. Whether that position commands sufficient support in the 11th National Assembly will ultimately be determined after the elections.
The race for the next Senate presidency may be attracting attention early, but the decisive contest will come when the newly elected senators assemble to choose their leader.
