Akpabio Assures Tinubu of National Assembly’s Support for 2027 Re-election
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that the National Assembly will not allow anyone to destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pledging lawmakers’ support for his re-election bid in 2027.
Akpabio made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign council, where he praised Tinubu’s performance and described his administration’s reforms as deserving of a second term.
According to the Senate President, Nigerians are beginning to recognise the impact of the president’s policies, adding that the legislature remains firmly behind him.
“Mr President, it’s because of your personae, because you’ve done well and you deserve a second term in office,” Akpabio said.
He added: “What is happening tonight is the fact that Nigerians are seeing your reforms, and Nigerians have also seen the fact that nobody can break through the National Assembly to destabilise you. We are solidly behind you.”
Akpabio disclosed that several senators had expressed interest in accompanying him to the campaign council’s gathering, indicating their willingness to participate in activities supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
He said some lawmakers had approached him to complain about being left behind, prompting him to seek the president’s permission to bring them to a subsequent gathering.
“Your Excellency, I want your permission to come next time with the minority leader and those in the minorities in the National Assembly,” he said, specifically mentioning Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The Senate President also described the composition of the APC presidential campaign council as unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history since 1999, citing the participation of political figures from different parties.
He said the inclusion of individuals from different political backgrounds demonstrated that governance and national development should transcend party affiliations.
Among those he congratulated were APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party.
Akpabio described the participation of the political figures as evidence of a broader commitment to national development, expressing particular appreciation for Soludo’s involvement.
He also urged Tinubu to pay attention to the Anambra governor’s advice, recalling an analogy Soludo reportedly used about mending an untorn garment.
“He said, if the clothes is not torn, why try to mend it? If you try to mend it, you are doing what? You are going to tear the clothes,” Akpabio recounted.
The Senate President used the analogy to encourage the president to sustain cooperation with members of the National Assembly as he pursues re-election.
Akpabio further cautioned state governors against abandoning their responsibilities to their constituents in pursuit of other political ambitions.
“And for my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor, Akpabio said elected officials should concentrate on fulfilling their constitutionally prescribed tenure rather than pursuing other offices prematurely.
“I did eight years as a governor. And the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” he added.
