The 11th Senate has yet to be elected, but senators present at Thursday’s plenary are already declaring “no vacancy” in its leadership, backing Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin to return unopposed as President and Deputy President.
Through a voice vote, they also endorsed the return of other current principal officers who win re-election in the January 16, 2027, National Assembly election.
The declaration comes amid reports linking Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to the race for the Senate presidency.
A warning to potential challengers at the APC Presidential Campaign Council inauguration has now been followed by an endorsement inside the Senate chamber.
At Thursday’s plenary, senators present backed the return of the current leadership, declaring “no vacancy” in the principal offices of the 11th Senate.
The endorsement is conditional: the officers must first retain their parliamentary seats in the January 16, 2027, National Assembly election.
Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, moved the motion under Order 41. Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, seconded it.
Several APC senators voiced support for Godswill Akpabio, assuring him that he would return unopposed as Senate President.
The endorsement also covered Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and other principal officers who secure re-election.
Akpabio put the question to the chamber, with senators present responding in support through a voice vote.
No numerical breakdown of support was provided.
Asked about the resolution after plenary, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, said he was not in the chamber when it was adopted.
Opposition senators who attended the sitting had yet to respond to the development at the time of this report.
Beyond Akpabio, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, are reportedly among those eyeing the Senate presidency.
The current chamber has signalled its preference. But its “no vacancy” declaration leaves the contest facing two electoral tests: who wins a seat in the next Senate and whom those senators choose to lead them.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
