Akpabio To Tinubu: Keep Parliament’s Power Bloc Intact, Don’t Change A Winning Team

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday made a public case for the retention of the current National Assembly leadership beyond 2027, telling President Bola Tinubu that lawmakers who have stood firmly behind his administration deserve another term in office.

At the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, Akpabio argued that Tinubu’s strongest political shield remains the legislature, insisting that any attempt to weaken the President through the National Assembly would fail.

“Why don’t you encourage them to come back and support you in the second term?” Akpabio said, in a direct appeal to Tinubu to back the return of the current parliamentary leadership.

The Senate President boasted that the National Assembly had become a reliable pillar of support for the administration.

“Nobody can break through the National Assembly to dislodge you. We are solidly behind you,” he declared.

Akpabio’s remarks underscored the growing alignment between the executive and legislative arms of government as the ruling APC begins to mobilise for the 2027 election cycle.

He revealed that several senators had pressed to accompany him to the campaign council inauguration, a development he presented as evidence of overwhelming support for the President within the legislature. He also sought Tinubu’s approval to bring opposition lawmakers, including the Senate Minority Leader, to future campaign-related engagements.

But the Senate President’s speech took a sharper turn when he warned governors against treating their current offices as stepping stones to other political ambitions before completing their constitutional mandates.

Without mentioning names, Akpabio urged state governors to remain focused on serving their constituents rather than scouting for new political positions.

“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.

The comment appeared aimed at Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who had moments earlier announced his intention to contest a Senate seat in 2027.

“I will be on the ballot as a senatorial candidate,” Uzodimma had told party supporters while rallying APC members to unite behind Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Drawing from more than two decades in public office, Akpabio argued that political longevity depends on remaining connected to the electorate rather than constantly seeking higher office.

“Take it from me. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win because I stand with the people,” he said.

Beyond endorsing Tinubu’s second-term ambition, Akpabio’s intervention revealed two emerging battles within the APC ahead of 2027: the push to preserve the current power structure in the National Assembly and a growing debate over governors’ succession plans as the election season gathers momentum.