2027: No automatic return for Akpabio as Senate President, says APC Chairman

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declined to endorse Senate President Godswill Akpabio for another term as head of the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda said he had no preferred candidate for the position, insisting that the decision would rest entirely with senators elected into the next National Assembly.

He made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

Asked whether the APC would return Akpabio as Senate President if he won re-election, Yilwatda responded: “Let’s wait for the election first. I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine who they want to make the Senate President.”

His response comes despite growing support for Akpabio’s bid to retain the position beyond the current legislative term.

In October, senators publicly backed Akpabio’s return as President of the 11th Senate, with some lawmakers declaring that there would be no vacancy in the position.

Akpabio, who has led the Senate since June 2023, is seeking another term in the National Assembly.

However, Yilwatda’s remarks suggest that the APC leadership is not publicly committing itself to any candidate for the Senate presidency before the elections.

The Senate President is elected by members of the upper legislative chamber, meaning Akpabio would still need the support of his colleagues to retain the position even if he wins re-election.

During the same interview, Yilwatda also defended President Bola Tinubu’s physical fitness ahead of the 2027 presidential election and accused opposition parties of relying on blackmail during political campaigns.