morgANABLE Politics/Governance
The Senate President had earlier made his second-term ambition known during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House, Abuja
KaNo —
The battle for the leadership of the 11th Senate has intensified as Senate President Godswill Akpabio moves to secure a second term, while Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, prepares to return to the National Assembly in 2027 amid speculation over his interest in the Senate presidency.
The emerging political contest has triggered manoeuvring within the ruling All Progressives Congress, with influential party stakeholders positioning themselves ahead of the next general elections.
Akpabio has openly sought President Bola Tinubu’s support for his return as Senate President, while Uzodimma has declared his intention to contest a senatorial seat after completing his tenure as governor.
The development has also drawn the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, into the controversy, following his public opposition to Uzodimma’s reported ambition to lead the upper legislative chamber.
The struggle gathered momentum during Thursday’s plenary when Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, and Senator Cyril Fasuyi declared their support for Akpabio’s continued leadership, insisting that the Senate presidency was not available for contest.
Monguno, representing Borno North Senatorial District, expressed confidence that Akpabio and the majority of serving senators would return to the National Assembly after the 2027 elections.
He also extended his position to the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers, suggesting that the current leadership arrangement should be retained in the next assembly.
Supporting the declaration, Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, maintained that Akpabio had already secured the backing of his colleagues.
“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,” Fasuyi said.
Following the declaration, Akpabio asked senators whether the position reflected the chamber’s collective decision.
The lawmakers responded audibly in support when he called for those in favour to say “aye”, while no audible opposition was recorded.
Although the exchange demonstrated public support for Akpabio among senators present, it did not constitute a formal election for the leadership of the 11th Senate.
The Senate President had earlier made his second-term ambition known during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Akpabio appealed to Tinubu to encourage members of the National Assembly to seek re-election, arguing that the existing legislative leadership had consistently supported the President’s administration.
“Mr. President, you already know that we, the National Assembly, are with you. Please, take the advice of Governor Soludo seriously. He said if the cloth is not torn, why try to amend it? If you try to amend it, you are going to tear the cloth.
“If the National Assembly is so much with you, why not encourage them to come back and support you in your second term?” Akpabio said.
His remarks were interpreted as an appeal for continuity in the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of 2027.
In what appeared to be a reference to Uzodimma’s reported interest in succeeding him, Akpabio also advised the Imo governor to concentrate on his responsibilities in the state.
However, Uzodimma confirmed during the same event that he intended to contest a senatorial seat in the forthcoming general elections.
The governor declared his readiness to appear on the APC ballot while urging party members to resolve internal disagreements and work collectively towards electoral victory.
Although Uzodimma has publicly confirmed only his senatorial ambition, speculation about his possible interest in the Senate presidency has continued to generate political reactions.
His position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and his influence within the ruling party have further heightened interest in his political plans.
Meanwhile, Wike had earlier opposed Uzodimma’s reported ambition during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout on September 21.
The FCT minister accused some APC governors of attempting to influence the composition and leadership of the next National Assembly by supporting candidates they could control.
“The APC in their ongoing party primaries the governors, in their own wisdom, believe that they should be able now to put senators or House of Reps members who they will dictate to who will become the next Senate President or the Speaker,” Wike said.
He specifically alleged that Uzodimma was positioning himself to become Senate President after leaving office as Imo State governor.
Wike’s intervention has added another dimension to the emerging contest, particularly against the backdrop of disagreements between the minister and some APC governors over his proposed rainbow coalition.
The leadership struggle is also unfolding amid controversy surrounding earlier attempts to amend the Senate Standing Orders 2026.
On May 5, the Senate moved to introduce provisions restricting eligibility for principal leadership positions, including the Senate presidency, to lawmakers who had served at least two terms, with one being the immediately preceding term.
The proposal attracted criticism from some senators, including former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who raised concerns about its implications.
The proposed restrictions were widely interpreted as a move that could prevent certain prospective contenders from seeking leadership positions in the next assembly.
The controversy was particularly significant because Akpabio himself did not satisfy the proposed strict eligibility requirements when he emerged as Senate President.
However, the Senate reversed the controversial amendments two days later following concerns that some provisions could conflict with the 1999 Constitution.
With the amendments rescinded, the question of who will lead the 11th Senate remains open, subject to the outcome of the 2027 elections and the decisions of lawmakers elected to the chamber.
The emerging contest is expected to test political alliances within the APC as Akpabio seeks continuity and Uzodimma prepares for a possible return to legislative politics.
Despite the growing declarations of support and political manoeuvring, the eventual Senate President will be determined by members of the 11th Senate after its inauguration.
