In a major political show of solidarity, lawmakers in the 10th Senate declared on Thursday, October 15, 2026, that there is “no vacancy” in the office of the Senate President for the upcoming 11th National Assembly, endorsing current Senate President Godswill Akpabio to retain his seat.
​The vote of confidence took place during plenary inside the Senate Chamber at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, following declarations made by key legislative principal officers and lawmakers.
Senator Tahir Monguno (Senate Chief Whip); Moving the primary declaration during deliberations, Monguno extended the non-vacancy stance across the entire top leadership of the red chamber. ​”There is no vacancy at all, including the seat of the Deputy Senate President [Barau Jibrin] and all other principal officers. I hereby declare, there is no vacancy,” Monguno asserted.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North Senatorial District), Seconding the declaration, Fasuyi insisted that the office is already occupied for the next legislative session. ​”I hereby support the motion, ably moved by Senator Monguno, that the seat of the Senate President in the 11th Assembly is not open to any contest. It is already occupied by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio,” Fasuyi stated.
​Following the declarations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the proposition directly to the floor:
Akpabio asked lawmakers if the motion represented the chamber’s general consensus. When he called for the “Ayes,” a loud, unanimous response echoed across the chamber. Upon asking for opposing voices (“Nays”), no audible dissent was recorded.
“I think that settles it,” Akpabio remarked, welcoming the unanimous endorsement.
​Addressing the political climate, Akpabio cautioned against political commentary meant to distort Senate proceedings as the 2027 general elections approach.
He emphasized that critics often target the Senate Presidency because executive positions are already settled within party dynamics, warning commentators against misrepresenting legislative debates for political leverage.
​While the resolution represents a public endorsement of Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, official presiding officer elections for the 11th Assembly will formally take place following the 2027 general elections and the swearing-in of elected senators.
