2027: Epelle Condemns Motion Backing Akpabio’s Return As Senate President

Political commentator Jake Epelle has criticised a motion supporting the return of Senate President Godswill Akpabio for another term, describing it as an affront to Nigerians and the Constitution.

Epelle warned Akpabio and his allies against treating the Senate presidency as a hereditary position, insisting that the office was neither a monarchy nor a throne that could be passed on without an election.

His comments followed a motion backed by senators on October 15, 2026, declaring that there was no vacancy in the Senate presidency. The move was seen as an expression of support for Akpabio to retain the position after the 2027 general elections.

The motion was moved by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North.

However, the motion does not guarantee Akpabio’s return, as the incoming 11th Senate will still have to elect its presiding officers when the National Assembly is inaugurated in 2027.

Speaking on Arise News, Epelle argued that the Senate presidency could not be secured through a motion or political declaration, stressing that the position must be decided by newly elected senators.

He accused Akpabio and members of the Senate who supported the motion of disregarding constitutional provisions governing the election of the Senate President.

Epelle also questioned why senators would publicly signal support for Akpabio’s return before the next general election, asking whether the move suggested that some political decisions had already been made ahead of the polls.

He further referred to Akpabio’s reported visit to the State House, where he alleged that the Senate President had appealed to President Bola Tinubu to retain his position.

Epelle said Akpabio, as a lawyer and Senate President, should understand the constitutional requirements for the office and uphold the provisions he had sworn to defend.

He described the motion as undemocratic and an assault on the Constitution, maintaining that the next Senate must determine its leadership through the prescribed electoral process.