The Senate has declared its top leadership positions effectively closed to other contenders ahead of the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly in 2027, signalling its strong backing for the return of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other principal officers.
The declaration means lawmakers eyeing the offices of Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Leader, and other leadership positions may have to shelve their ambitions, as the chamber has indicated that the current occupants should return unopposed.
Akpabio currently heads the Senate, with Jibrin Barau serving as Deputy Senate President. Opeyemi Bamidele is the Senate Leader, while Mohammed Monguno serves as Chief Whip.
The position was declared during plenary on Thursday and adopted through a voice vote, effectively signalling the Senate’s preference for continuity in its leadership when the 11th Assembly convenes.
The move was initiated by Akpabio in what appeared to be a pre-emptive effort to discourage potential challengers, including Senators Abdulaziz Yari and Adams Oshiomhole, from contesting the leadership positions.
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