Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support his bid to return as Senate President in 2027. He also cautioned governors against pursuing other political positions before completing their responsibilities, in remarks widely interpreted as directed at Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Akpabio made the remarks while addressing the president, appealing for support for the current National Assembly leadership to continue into the next Senate. He cited Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s advice against making changes when the existing arrangement remained intact, using the analogy of a cloth that could be torn by unnecessary alterations.
“ 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, in an apparent appeal for Tinubu’s backing ahead of the 2027 Senate leadership contest.
The Senate President also warned governors against neglecting their current responsibilities while seeking other offices. Referring to his own eight years as governor of Akwa Ibom State, he said governors should focus on serving their people instead of pursuing positions that might not be available. Although he did not mention Uzodimma by name, the comments came as the Imo governor is preparing to contest for the Senate in the 2027 elections.
Uzodimma, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Imo West, said Tinubu’s re-election campaign was closely linked to the success of other APC candidates. He urged party members to settle their disagreements and work together, arguing that unity was necessary for the party’s electoral prospects. The Senate presidency, however, is decided by senators, with the president’s support often influential in determining who emerges as leader.
