Tahir Monguno and Cyril Fasuyi declare the Senate presidency unavailable for contest as Akpabio seeks another term ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some senators have endorsed Senate President Godswill Akpabio for another term in the 11th National Assembly, declaring that the position is not open to contest.
The declaration followed Akpabio’s response to criticism of his comments during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, which seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a framework for prevention and rehabilitation.
During Thursday’s plenary, Akpabio cautioned against what he described as the misrepresentation of discussions in the Senate, saying remarks made during legislative debates were sometimes taken out of context and used for political purposes.
“I don’t like the idea of people sitting down on television and trying to misinterpret what we discuss here in the senate,” he said.
“We want to make the best laws, so we are bound to oppose each other, and we are also bound to support each other.”
Akpabio also rejected suggestions that he would disparage Islam, citing his relationships with Muslims and his record of supporting religious pilgrimages while serving as governor.
He said he had sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the holy land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.
His comments followed criticism of remarks he made on Tuesday during debate on the bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South.
Akpabio had referred to the belief that seven virgins awaited some people in the afterlife when discussing why young people might contemplate suicide. The remarks drew criticism from people who accused him of denigrating Muslims.
The controversy came as lawmakers considered a proposal to shift Nigeria’s approach to attempted suicide from criminal punishment towards medical treatment, rehabilitation and support.
Senators endorse Akpabio for 11th Assembly
Following Akpabio’s remarks, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, expressed confidence that most serving senators would return after the 2027 general election.
“Insha Allah, by the grace of God, majority of us are going to make it back to the Senate, and this seat is hereby declared: there is no vacancy. Including the seat of DSP, there is no vacancy, including principal officers,” Monguno said.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, also endorsed Akpabio, describing him as the occupant of the Senate presidency in the next assembly.
“My name is Senator Cyril Fasuyi from Ekiti North, a serving senator and an incoming senator in the 11th assembly,” Fasuyi said.
“I hereby support the motion, ably moved by Senator Monguno, that the seat of the senate president in the 11th Assembly is not open to any contest. It is already occupied by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.”
Akpabio subsequently asked senators to indicate whether they supported the declaration.
“Those in support say aye,” he said, prompting a loud response from lawmakers.
When he asked those opposed to respond, no senator spoke.
“They are not here. I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio seeks another term amid 2027 political manoeuvring
The endorsement comes amid emerging political manoeuvring over the leadership of the 11th National Assembly, which is expected to be inaugurated after the 2027 general election.
Akpabio has also publicly sought President Bola Tinubu’s support for another term as Senate president. Premium Times reported on Thursday that he appealed to Tinubu to back his return and discourage Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma from pursuing the position.
The Senate presidency, however, will be determined by the composition and decisions of the next Senate. The endorsements by serving lawmakers do not guarantee Akpabio’s return to the position, particularly as the 2027 elections could change the chamber’s membership.
For now, the senators’ declaration signals support for continuity in the Senate leadership, even as political interests around the next assembly begin to take shape.
