9News Nigeria

By Princely Onyenwe | Editorial Desk

Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford to become a theatre of personal ambition where elected leaders spend more time fighting over tomorrow’s positions than discharging today’s responsibilities. The growing controversy surrounding Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s ambition to retain his position in the 11th National Assembly and the reported interest of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma in the same office has raised troubling questions about political maturity, institutional respect and the priorities of those entrusted with public leadership.

The problem is not that politicians aspire to higher office. Ambition is a legitimate part of democracy, and every qualified politician has the right to seek public office within the law. The problem begins when the pursuit of a position that will not become available until the next National Assembly turns into a public contest of warnings, endorsements, political manoeuvring and apparent attempts to intimidate potential rivals.

Akpabio, the incumbent Senate President, has made his intention increasingly clear. On October 14, 2026, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council at the State House in Abuja, he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support his return as Senate President in 2027. He also called on the President to discourage Uzodimma from seeking to replace him, drawing public attention to a succession battle that should ordinarily be resolved through the appropriate political and constitutional processes when the time comes.

That intervention raises a fundamental question: why should the sitting Senate President appear so concerned about a political contest that has not yet formally arrived? If Akpabio believes his performance, experience and relationships within the Senate make him the strongest candidate for another term, he should allow his record to speak for itself. Leadership should inspire confidence, not create the impression that every potential challenger must be politically neutralised before the contest begins.

The situation became even more striking on October 15, when senators publicly declared their support for Akpabio’s return, with Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi among those expressing confidence in his continued leadership. Some lawmakers reportedly declared that there was no vacancy in the Senate presidency. But the question is straightforward: how can a position in the 11th Assembly be treated as though it were already occupied when the 10th Assembly is still in office and the next general elections have not yet taken place?

The 10th National Assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023, for a four-year legislative term running to June 2027. The Senate comprises 109 members representing the country’s 109 senatorial districts. Those senators will have to face the electorate or otherwise leave the chamber before a new assembly can be constituted. Consequently, the composition of the 11th Senate, the return of individual lawmakers and the eventual emergence of its leadership cannot responsibly be treated as settled matters in October 2026.

This is where the controversy begins to look unnecessary. Nigeria is approaching another general election, with political parties expected to negotiate interests, select candidates and mobilise supporters across the country. Voters need leaders who can explain their plans for economic recovery, insecurity, employment, infrastructure and the cost of living. Instead, a dispute over who may preside over the Senate after the elections is increasingly competing for national political attention.

Governor Uzodimma, for his part, has declared his intention to contest the Orlu senatorial seat, also known as Imo West, in the 2027 elections. That is a distinct political objective from becoming Senate President. His reported interest in the leadership of the next Senate has generated speculation, but a declaration to contest a senatorial seat should not automatically be presented as a formal declaration of candidacy for the Senate presidency. At the time of this editorial, the distinction matters because public commentary must not be confused with an official announcement.

Uzodimma has previously responded to speculation about the Senate presidency by saying he was not aware that his colleagues were proposing him for the position, while adding that when the time came, they would cross that bridge. The statement reflects a position that leaves room for political developments without confirming a formal bid. His opponents, therefore, should avoid treating speculation as an established candidacy, just as the governor should be encouraged to communicate clearly whenever he considers it necessary to put an end to mounting uncertainty.

Yet the incumbent Senate President’s public posture has created the impression of a race being fought before the starting whistle. Akpabio is entitled to seek another term, but his current office does not confer ownership of the Senate presidency in the next assembly. Equally, Uzodimma’s political influence, governorship experience and position within the All Progressives Congress do not automatically entitle him to succeed Akpabio. Neither man owns the office, and neither should behave as though the decision belongs to him or his political allies alone.

The Constitution provides the institutional framework for the Senate and its leadership, while the political composition of the next chamber will be shaped by the 2027 elections. The eventual choice of Senate President must emerge from the lawful process involving members of the incoming Senate. Presidential preference, governors’ influence, party negotiations and political endorsements may all affect the contest, but none should be confused with a constitutional guarantee that a particular individual will occupy the position.

The controversy also risks deepening existing tensions within the ruling APC. The relationship between governors, federal political officeholders and party leaders is already under pressure from competing interests ahead of the elections. Public disagreements over the next Senate presidency could further complicate efforts to maintain party cohesion at a time when the ruling party is preparing for a demanding national campaign. Recent reporting has also highlighted disagreements involving Uzodimma and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, illustrating how the succession debate is intersecting with broader political rivalries.

This is particularly concerning because Uzodimma chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, a position that gives him a significant role in coordinating APC governors. When a sitting governor is linked to a contest for a future legislative leadership position, it is reasonable to ask whether competing ambitions could affect relationships between state executives and federal lawmakers. However, claims of a direct split between senators and governors over the Senate presidency should be supported by clear evidence rather than inferred from political speculation or isolated public statements.

Akpabio must also understand that the dignity of the Senate presidency demands restraint. Nigerians expect the occupant of the office to demonstrate seriousness, sound judgment and respect for the institution, particularly when discussing issues that affect vulnerable citizens or the nation’s political future. Public jokes, pointed remarks and political exchanges may generate headlines, but they can also weaken public confidence when they appear to trivialise the responsibilities attached to one of the country’s highest legislative offices.

The Senate presidency is not a personal trophy. It is a position of institutional responsibility within a bicameral legislature whose duties include lawmaking, oversight of the executive and representation of the Nigerian people. The Senate’s 109 members have obligations extending far beyond choosing who will preside over their chamber in 2027. They must scrutinise public expenditure, consider legislation, examine government policies and ensure that executive power is exercised within constitutional limits.

For this reason, the timing of the current political drama deserves criticism. Nigeria’s next general election is scheduled for 2027, and the immediate task for politicians should be to earn the confidence of voters. The electorate is entitled to know what candidates intend to do about unemployment, insecurity, the pressure on household incomes and the delivery of essential public services. The country should not be left with the impression that the most urgent concern of its political class is the distribution of offices among its own members.

Akpabio should stop using his position to turn a future leadership contest into a recurring public confrontation. He can campaign for another term through consultation, persuasion and a credible record of service. He should allow the 2027 elections to take their course and respect the right of other qualified lawmakers to participate in the eventual leadership process.

Uzodimma, on the other hand, should concentrate on his declared senatorial ambition and avoid allowing speculation about the Senate presidency to overshadow the immediate electoral task before him. If he eventually secures election to the Senate and decides to seek its presidency, he should make his intentions clear at the appropriate time and submit himself to the same process as every other aspirant. The people of Orlu deserve to assess his candidacy on its merits, while the incoming senators must be free to determine their leadership without intimidation or a premature declaration that the seat belongs to one political camp.

President Tinubu and the APC leadership also have a responsibility to prevent personal rivalries from damaging the party’s internal cohesion or distracting the government from national priorities. Political disagreements are inevitable in a democracy, but mature leadership requires mechanisms for managing them privately, fairly and within established rules. A ruling party preparing for a general election should not allow a contest over a future legislative office to become a permanent source of public division.

Our advice to both camps is simple: let the 10th Assembly complete its work, let the electorate decide who enters the 11th Assembly, and let the incoming senators choose their presiding officers through the proper process. Akpabio should demonstrate the restraint expected of an incumbent Senate President, while Uzodimma should make his senatorial ambition the immediate priority and allow any future leadership aspiration to be tested when the time arrives.

Nigeria has too many pressing challenges to surrender valuable political attention to a contest that has not yet formally begun. The Senate presidency must be earned through lawful political engagement, not treated as a birthright, a reward for loyalty or a prize to be secured through public pressure.

The question is not who will become Senate President in 2027; it is whether those seeking the position can demonstrate the maturity to put Nigeria before personal ambition. Until the appropriate time comes, both camps should lower the political temperature, respect the institutions they seek to lead and allow Nigerians to see leadership in action rather than ambition on display.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

• ‘Don’t Abandon Your People’ — Senate President’s Remarks Intensify Debate Over 11th Senate Leadership

By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk

ABUJA, Nigeria — Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s warning to governors against pursuing other political offices before completing their tenures has intensified attention on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma’s senatorial ambition, amid growing political tensions and disagreements involving Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of the 2027 general election.

Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support continuity in the National Assembly leadership and cautioned governors against abandoning their constituents in pursuit of other offices.

“And for my brothers who are governors, I want you to know: you must not abandon your people. I did eight years as a governor, and the Constitution says you should do eight years. There is no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” Akpabio said.

Although Akpabio did not mention Uzodinma by name in the quoted passage, the remarks have been interpreted in the context of reports that the Imo governor intends to contest for the Senate presidency after securing the APC ticket for Imo West Senatorial District.

In a report published on October 15, Premium Times reported that Akpabio had sought Tinubu’s support for his return to the Senate and urged the President to discourage Uzodinma’s ambition to lead the 11th National Assembly. The contest is emerging as a significant political issue within the ruling party ahead of the next general election.

Uzodinma, who is serving his second term as Imo governor and chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, confirmed his intention to contest for the Imo West senatorial seat during the campaign council inauguration. He also urged APC members to reconcile their differences and work together towards the party’s electoral objectives.

His ambition has placed the transition from the Imo governorship to the Senate at the centre of an increasingly sensitive political debate. Uzodimma’s current tenure is expected to end in January 2028, while the 11th National Assembly is expected to emerge following the 2027 elections.

The controversy is unfolding alongside tensions involving Wike, whose political disagreements with some APC governors have added another dimension to the struggle for influence within the wider pro-Tinubu political camp.

In September, Minister Wike publicly named Uzodinma and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq among governors he accused of working against him. The remarks highlighted disagreements among political figures who otherwise support Tinubu’s re-election, although the precise implications of those disputes for the Senate presidency remain uncertain.

The inclusion of Wike and other politicians outside the APC in Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council has further illustrated the breadth of the coalition being assembled for 2027. Wike belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo belongs to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke won his state’s 2026 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Their participation in the campaign council demonstrates cooperation around Tinubu’s re-election bid, but it does not establish a common position on the leadership of the next Senate. Presidential alliances and legislative leadership contests involve distinct political calculations, and the eventual Senate president will be elected by senators after the next National Assembly is constituted.

The emerging rivalry has nevertheless raised questions about whether competing ambitions could deepen divisions among political leaders who are expected to work together on the President’s re-election campaign.

For Imo residents, the debate has a direct political dimension. While Uzodimma’s supporters may regard his senatorial ambition as a legitimate next step in his political career, critics may question the timing and argue that completing his governorship tenure should remain his immediate priority.

However, the Senate presidency is not an office that any governor or political leader can secure through a unilateral declaration. Its emergence depends on the composition of the Senate after the elections and the ability of a candidate to obtain the support of fellow senators. Presidential backing and party negotiations may influence the contest, but the final decision rests with the elected members of the chamber.

The public exchange has also drawn attention to the responsibilities of national leaders in a country facing persistent economic pressures, insecurity and demands for better public services. Political disagreements are an established feature of democratic competition, but Nigerians have a legitimate interest in seeing their leaders handle rivalries with restraint and respect for public institutions.

The concern, therefore, extends beyond the personalities involved. As the 2027 elections approach, the question is whether competing ambitions can be managed through political dialogue and negotiation without undermining cooperation within the ruling party or distracting public officials from their responsibilities.

Akpabio’s warning, Uzodinma’s declared senatorial ambition and Wike’s disagreements with some APC governors have placed the struggle for influence within the pro-Tinubu camp under renewed scrutiny. How the parties involved manage these competing interests could shape discussions around the leadership of the next Senate.

For now, the contest remains unresolved, and the final decision will depend on the political alignments and votes that emerge after the 2027 National Assembly elections.

For inquiries on this news report contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Senate will reconvene for an emergency plenary sitting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 12:00 in spite of having earlier adjourned sittings until February 24.

The development was formally conveyed in an official notice dated Feb. 8, 2026, signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, on the directive of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

The notice cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reads in part:

“I am directed by His Excellency, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio…

“To inform all Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that an Emergency Sitting of the Senate has been scheduled to hold as follows: Date: Tuesday, Feb. 10 at noon.

“Venue: Senate Chamber. Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to note this Emergency Sitting date and attend. All inconveniences this will cause to Distinguished Senators are highly regretted.”

This confirmation cane days after the Senate last Thursday adjourned plenary, following the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The adjournment was to allow lawmakers participate in the ongoing budget defence sessions by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) ahead of the final consideration of the ₦58.472 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, scheduled for passage on March 17.

The official notice did not state the reason for the emergency session.

The timing strongly suggests a connection to the intense national controversy trailing the senate’s handling of key provisions in the Electoral Act amendment, particularly Section 60(3) which has to do with electronic transmission of results.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Traditional Rulers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District have endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno for a second term in their respective offices in 2027.

At a grand endorsement ceremony held today Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium, the traditional Rulers said the trio have been superlative in their performance and deserved to be re-elected to continue with their good works.

At the event were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Udeme Otong, Members to the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen, members of the traditional institution across the State, religious leaders and many others.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Boxing Day presented 10 outboard engine fishing boats to women and cooperative societies from riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State, as part of his constituency projects.

The presentation took place at Akpabio’s country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, and beneficiaries were drawn from Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, where fishing remains their primary source of livelihood.

Speaking at the event, the wife of the Senate President, Dr (Mrs) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, thanked her husband for remembering women from the riverine communities, noting that the beneficiaries were selected from Eket Senatorial District because “the Senate President is for all, irrespective of Senatorial Districts.”

On his part, Akpabio said in his remarks that the gesture was aimed at empowering women who have consistently supported him over the years. While praising their role in sustaining his political journey and assured them of his continued commitment to their welfare, he stated, “I can never forget your love; I can never forget your prayers, I can never forget your support. We are still standing strong because you are still praying.”

He also urged the women to remain politically active and supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Let me thank you in advance for the support you will give to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Today I’m making you also fishers of men. The nets will be for you to drag as much votes as possible for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in your Senatorial District,” he said.

Akpabio informed them that President Tinubu was pleased with developments in Akwa Ibom State, commending Governor Umo Eno for prioritising human capital development. “Governor Umo Eno has made us proud. He is touching lives and making sure that human capital development is a major focus of his administration. Mine is to urge you to support him,” he said.

Providing details of the empowerment programme, the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Victor Antai, who coordinated the presentation, said each boat was equipped with fishing nets, refrigerators and extra fuel tanks for powering the outboard engines.

According to him, the larger boats are fitted with double 75-horsepower engines, while the smaller ones have 40-horsepower engines.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mma Nkoyo Isong expressed appreciation to Akpabio and his wife for empowering the women economically. She said the intervention would enhance their livelihoods, describing it as “teaching us how to fish instead of giving us fish.”
Isong assured the Senate President that the women would reciprocate the gesture with continued support for him and the APC in future elections.

Only a few of the boats were displayed for symbolic presentation at the ceremony, while Akpabio read out the names of individual beneficiaries and cooperative societies selected for the programme.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has accepted an invitation to be the guest speaker at the 49th Convocation and Lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife in Osun State.

The invitation was extended to the Senate President when emissaries of the institution led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire visited him in Abuja on Tuesday. The Convocation is scheduled to hold on 13th December, 2025.

Professor Bamire told the Senate President: “On behalf of the Council, the Senate, Management, Staff and Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, we are here to really invite you and to present to you our invitation formally, for the 49th Convocation and Lecture of the University and for the Excellence Award as well.

“We thank you for the things you have been doing for this nation. We see it. We hear it. We watch you all the time. Particularly in the education sector. We are really happy for this renewed hope that is being brought into education sector.

“Apart from being the guest lecturer, we have an award for you. The award is not just coming for the sake of it. It is with respect to your excellent leadership.”

In his response, Akpabio thanked the Vice Chancellor and his team for the visit and assured them that he would be at the occasion.

“I am very delighted to be associated with you and it will be my great pleasure to come with a retinue of Dustinguished Senators to join you in your 49 Convocation ceremony as a whole. Not just the lecture but the entirety of the ceremony.

“Your alumini association is respected everywhere. Nationally, Internationally and otherwise. Please keep the flag flying,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President seized the occasion to counsel the Vice Chancellor to put in his best to make an impact in the school and also counselled the Principal Officers to support the leadership of the institution.

“Do your best in your time to elevate the standard of the University even more than you met it and for the Principal Officers, when you support leadership, then you prepare yourself for leadership. So give him all the support that he needs to do well because if he does well, you are also doing well.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said he received with a heavy heart the news of the passing of the founder of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Reverend Uma Ukpai who passed on at the age of 80.

For several decades Evangelist Uma Ukpai, though an International Evangelist who preached the good news all over the world and led many to God through his Evangelistic Ministry, operated from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In a tribute personally signed by Senator Akpabio, he described Evangelist Uma Ukpai as “God’s General” who stayed true to his calling and impacted not only the Kingdom of God but humanity as a whole.

The statement reads: “Today we mourn the passing of God’s General, Evangelist Uma Ukpai whose transition has left the body of Christ and indeed humanity as a whole in a profound state of sadness. He was not just an Evangelist who won many souls for God, but a beacon of light who illuminated countless souls.

“It is remarkable that Evangelist Uma Ukpai stayed true to his calling with an unwavering commitment to preaching the word of God globally. His legacy remains one of impact, inspiration and hope for those whom he encountered.

“He was a man of great faith. While he committed his life to God and His work, he also catered for humaity through establishment of schools and medical facilities to provide for the educational and healthcare needs of his communities.

“His passing has left an indellible mark on the hearts of many. Though this is a great loss not just to the body of Christ, I find solace in the fact that Heaven has gained one more Angel to watch over the flock of God. Indeed he has joined the heavenly choir to sing praises in the presence of God.

“His journey may have ended but his legacies live on in the hearts of humanity. Indeed, he has fought a good fight, he has finished his course and he has kept the faith. May his soul rest in the bossom of the Lord whom he served.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his entire family and the body of Christ. May you all find solace in the remarkable and impactful life that he lived and the knowledge that he may have left us physically, but his legacies live on.

“Rest in peace God’s faithful servant.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated Vice President Kashim Shettima, on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

Akpabio in a congratulatory message personally signed by him and issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Eseme Eyiboh described Shettima as a stabiliser in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He described the vice president as a perfect gentleman, a team player and a core and strategic democrat who had been a stabilising factor in the current administration in the country.

“On behalf of the 10th Senate, my constituents, and family, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, as you celebrate your 59th birthday.

“Today, we celebrate not only the years of your life but also the remarkable accomplishments you have achieved in service to our people, as a commissioner, governor, senator, and now as vice president,” he said.

The senate president noted that the vice president’s resilience in the face of challenges and his continued advocacy for peace, unity, and development inspired all.

“You are the stabilising factor in the government of President Bola Tinubu, because of your unflinching support, loyalty and cooperation.

“I must say that as a dedicated public servant, committed democrat, trusted, and supportive vice president, you have exemplified unwavering commitment and leadership in your position and contributing significantly to progress and stability of our nation through the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

“Your vision for a prosperous Nigeria, coupled with your extensive experience and insight, has been vital in guiding our government’s policies and initiatives.

“As you mark this special day, I wish you good health, happiness, and continued strength as you support President Bola Tinubu to lead with wisdom and dedication.

”May this new year bring fulfilment of your dreams for a better Nigeria, happy 59th birthday,”Akpabio added.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said that the Senate had yet to approve any request for state creation.

He clarified that although the Constitution Review Committee had received over 42 proposals for state creation, none had passed through the full legislative process.

“I have seen over 42 proposals, but not one has gone through full deliberation.

“The process of creating a state is very rigorous and has not been completed in any instance,” he said.

He spoke during plenary on Tuesday in response to concerns raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central).

He warned communities against organising meetings or mobilising efforts over proposed states that had not been legally established, stressing that no new state had been approved by the Senate.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to rely only on official statements from the National Assembly concerning constitutional amendments and related issues.

Meanwhile, the Senate has scheduled a special session for Wednesday to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and reflect on his contributions to Nigeria’s development following his recent passing.

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has paid glowing tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a spartan leader who never embezzled public funds.

‎Akpabio stated this at an expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held in honour of Buhari at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

‎He said Buhari’s enduring legacy lay in integrity, not extravagance and in devotion to nation building rather than personal gain.

‎Akpabio, who served as a minister under Buhari, noted that even Buhari’s fiercest critics respected his forthrightness.

‎”President Buhari believed that discipline mattered. That integrity mattered. That leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored in something greater than power.”

‎”He did not seek to ride waves of popular acclaim; he walked, with steadiness and often in solitude, along the ridge of national conscience.”

‎”Let us be honest he was tough. He was a soldier who did not flinch under fire, a leader who did not flee from responsibility, and above all, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale.”

‎”His toughness was born not of pride, but of patriotism, a fierce, unrelenting belief that Nigeria, with all its challenges, was still worth fighting for.”

‎Akpabio hailed Buhari’s lifelong commitment to Nigeria, both as a soldier and civilian leader.

‎”Whether in khaki or agbada, he remained firm in his belief that Nigeria was worth fighting for,” Akpabio said. 

9News Nigeria