Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged President Bola Tinubu to encourage members of the National Assembly leadership to return for a second term, saying the legislature remains firmly behind his administration.
Akpabio also shot a broadside at Imo Stae Governor Hope Uzodimma when he cautioned governors against abandoning their constituents to pursue other political offices before completing their tenure.
Akpabio made the appeal on Wednesday at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election in Abuja.
Addressing Tinubu, the Senate President said the President should retain the support of lawmakers, arguing that the National Assembly was already backing his administration.
“If the National Assembly is so much with you, why don’t you encourage them to come back and support you in the second term?” Akpabio said.
He also insisted that attempts to undermine Tinubu through the legislature would not succeed, reiterating the lawmakers’ support for the President.
“Nobody can break through the National Assembly to dislodge you. We are solidly behind you,” he said.
Akpabio said several senators had asked to accompany him to the inauguration, adding that he had sought Tinubu’s permission before bringing more lawmakers to future campaign engagements.
“When I was coming, a lot of senators were dragging my clothes and saying, ‘are you leaving us behind?’ And I said they did not mention your name. They said, please, let us just come with you,” he said.
He also asked the President for permission to bring the Senate minority leader and other opposition lawmakers to a future gathering.
“The senator, I want your permission to come next time with the minority leader and those in the minorities in the National Assembly,” Akpabio said.
In a separate part of his address, Akpabio cautioned governors against abandoning their constituents to pursue other political offices before completing their tenure.
“And for my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people. 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 said.
Although Akpabio did not mention any governor by name, the remarks came after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reaffirmed his intention to contest for the Senate in 2027.
Speaking earlier at the inauguration, Uzodimma declared: “I will be on the ballot as a senatorial candidate.”
The governor also called on APC members to unite behind Tinubu and the party’s other candidates, arguing that the success of one candidate depended on the collective efforts of the party.
Akpabio, who served two terms as governor of Akwa Ibom State before becoming a senator, cited his political experience in urging leaders to remain connected to the electorate.
“Take it from me. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win. And why I always win is because I stand with people,” he said.
His remarks placed the emphasis on retaining the current National Assembly’s support for Tinubu while also warning governors against pursuing other offices before completing their terms.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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