As political calculations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has openly sought President Bola Tinubu’s backing for a return to the leadership of the 11th National Assembly, while cautioning Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma against aspiring to replace him.
Akpabio made the appeal on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House, Abuja, urging Tinubu to support continuity in the Senate leadership.
Drawing on a recent remark by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Akpabio argued that changing the existing arrangement could create unnecessary political complications. He also urged the president to encourage lawmakers to return to the National Assembly and support his second-term bid.
In an apparent message to Uzodimma, the Senate president advised the Imo governor to concentrate on his current responsibilities rather than seek to take over the Senate’s top seat.
Akpabio expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, attributing the party’s advantage to its acceptance among Nigerians and Tinubu’s record in office.
Senate presidency race gathers momentum
Although senators elect their president from among themselves, the contest is often shaped by party alignments, the composition of the incoming Senate and the ability of aspirants to secure support from their colleagues. The backing of the president and other influential political figures can also significantly influence the outcome.
Akpabio’s appeal signals his intention to retain the position and preserve the current leadership arrangement, while reports of Uzodimma’s interest have added another prominent figure to the emerging political calculations ahead of the 11th Senate.
Tinubu tells campaign council to prioritise grassroots mobilisation
At the event, Tinubu charged the newly inaugurated campaign council with coordinating the APC’s presidential campaign across states and local government areas, while making clear that governance would remain his primary responsibility.
The president said he would continue engaging directly with Nigerians but would not accompany the campaign team to every location, stressing that the demands of running the government could not be put on hold.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council, led by its Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, is scheduled to begin its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, governors, senior party officials and representatives of the APC’s youth and women groups attended the inauguration.
