Akpabio Criticized for Senate Presidency Motion

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is facing backlash following a motion passed on October 15, 2026, by senators declaring that there is “no vacancy” in the Senate presidency, indicating support for Akpabio to retain the position in the 11th National Assembly. Political commentator Jake Epelle criticized this motion, asserting that the Senate presidency is an elective position and cannot be reserved for an individual without an election.

He expressed concerns on Arise News, stating that the Senate should not operate like a monarchy. The motion was moved by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, and seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi from Ekiti North.

Both senators expressed confidence that they would return to the Senate after the 2027 elections and declared the Senate presidency unavailable for contest. Akpabio called for support for the motion, which received no opposition.

Epelle argued that the motion contradicts the constitutional process for electing the Senate President.