Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support his bid for re-election as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly in 2027.
Akpabio made the appeal on Wednesday, urging the president to back his ambition to retain the position after the 2027 general elections.
He also appealed to Tinubu to discourage Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma from seeking to replace him as Senate President in the next National Assembly.
The appeal signals an early move in the political discussions surrounding the leadership of the Senate after the 2027 elections, with Akpabio seeking the president’s support as he prepares for another term in office.
The Senate presidency is one of the most influential positions in Nigeria’s legislature.
The office holder presides over Senate plenary sessions, coordinates legislative proceedings and plays a major role in determining the direction of debates and legislative activities in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
Although senators elect the Senate President from among themselves, political alliances and negotiations involving influential party leaders often play an important role in the contest for the position.
Akpabio’s appeal to Tinubu highlights the importance he attaches to securing political backing ahead of the leadership contest. His request that the president discourage Uzodimma from pursuing the position also suggests that the possibility of competing interests could become a factor in discussions over the next Senate leadership.
Uzodimma, who governs Imo State, is a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the details of his alleged ambition to become Senate President, including whether he has formally declared an interest in the position, were not provided in the information available.
The contest for the 11th Senate presidency will take place after the 2027 general elections, when the composition of the new National Assembly becomes clear.
The Senate President is elected by senators at the beginning of a new legislative session.
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