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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged President Bola Tinubu to encourage members of the National Assembly to seek re-election in 2027, assuring him of the legislature’s continued support for his administration.
Akpabio made the appeal on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.
Addressing Tinubu, the Senate President argued that lawmakers who had supported the administration should be encouraged to return for another term.
“If the National Assembly is so much with you, why don’t you encourage them to come back and support you in the second term?” he asked.
Akpabio declared that attempts to undermine the President through the legislature would not succeed, insisting that lawmakers remained firmly behind him.
“Nobody can break through the National Assembly to dislodge you. We are solidly behind you,” he said.
He disclosed that several senators had expressed interest in accompanying him to the campaign council’s inauguration, adding that he had sought the President’s permission to bring more lawmakers to future campaign engagements.
Akpabio also requested permission to attend a subsequent gathering with the Senate minority leader and other opposition lawmakers, suggesting that support for the President extended beyond the APC caucus.
In another part of his address, the Senate President cautioned governors against abandoning their constituents to pursue other political offices before completing their tenure.
“And for my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people. I did eight years as a governor, and the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” he said.
Although Akpabio did not mention any governor by name, the remarks came after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma declared at the same event that he intended to contest for a Senate seat in the 2027 elections.
“I will be on the ballot as a senatorial candidate,” Uzodimma had said.
The Imo governor had also urged APC members to unite behind Tinubu and other party candidates, stressing the importance of collective efforts to secure electoral victories.
Akpabio, who served two terms as governor of Akwa Ibom State before returning to the Senate, cited his political experience to emphasise the importance of maintaining a strong connection with constituents.
“Take it from me. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win. And why I always win is because I stand with people,” he said.
His remarks highlighted the importance of sustaining the National Assembly’s support for Tinubu while urging political leaders to remain committed to their constituents and existing mandates.
