ABUJA, NIGERIA — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has openly asked President Bola Tinubu to support his bid for re-election as leader of the 11th Senate in 2027. He also appealed to the president to discourage Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State from aspiring to replace him.
Akpabio made the request on Wednesday at the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the State House, Abuja.
Akpabio’s Appeal
“Mr President, you already know that we are with you. Please, take the advice of Governor Soludo seriously. He said if the cloth is not torn, why try to amend it? If you try to amend it, you are going to tear the cloth,” Akpabio said.
“If the National Assembly is so much with you, why not encourage them to come back and support you in your second term?”
Warning to Governors
Akpabio also sent a warning to governors. He cautioned them to focus on their current responsibilities.
“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. The constitution says you should do eight years. There is no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” he said.
“I have been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win.”
Targeted at Uzodimma
Although Akpabio did not mention Uzodimma by name, his warning was clearly directed at the Imo governor. Uzodimma is the APC senatorial candidate for Imo West District for the 2027 elections.
Reports indicate that Uzodimma plans to resign as governor before his tenure ends and switch to the Senate if he wins. His second term as governor will end in January 2028. The 11th Senate is expected to be inaugurated in June 2027.
Uzodimma’s Response
Uzodimma, the secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, told the gathering that Tinubu’s re-election bid was tied to the electoral fortunes of other APC candidates.
“Mr President, you will be on the ballot on 16 January 2027. But if we are honest with ourselves, so will we,” he said.
“I will be on the ballot as a senatorial candidate. So, all of us. The challenge of re-electing Mr President is the challenge of re-electing every member of APC.”
He urged party members to resolve internal disagreements and work together for victory.
Tinubu’s Remarks
President Tinubu, while inaugurating the campaign council, said the council would coordinate campaign activities across states and local government areas. He said he would concentrate on running the government.
“The responsibility of this office does not pause,” Tinubu declared.
“I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas. So you will excuse me from going everywhere with you. We have bills to pay.”
Senate Presidency Contest
The Senate presidency is decided by senators, not directly by the president or governors. The outcome depends on the Senate’s composition after the elections and contenders’ ability to secure their colleagues’ support. However, the president’s support often plays a key role.
Akpabio’s call for continuity signals his preference to remain as Senate president. Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition introduces another influential figure into the contest for positions in the next Senate.
What Happens Next
The APC Presidential Campaign Council, led by Director-General Abdulaziz Yari, will kick off its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24. The battle for the Senate presidency will intensify as the 2027 elections approach. For now, Akpabio has made his position clear.
