By Ademola Adekusibe

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received public endorsements from fellow lawmakers for another term in the 11th National Assembly, with senators declaring that there is “no vacancy” in the Senate presidency.

The endorsements came during plenary on Thursday, following Akpabio’s response to criticism over comments he made during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.

Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, expressed confidence that most serving senators would return after the 2027 general elections and backed the continuation of the current Senate leadership.

“Insha Allah, by the grace of God, majority of us are going to make it back to the Senate, and this seat is hereby declared: there is no vacancy. Including the seat of DSP, there is no vacancy, including principal officers,” Monguno said.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, also endorsed Akpabio, declaring that the Senate presidency in the next Assembly was already occupied.

“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 said.

Akpabio subsequently asked lawmakers to indicate whether they supported the declaration. The senators responded with a resounding “aye” when asked to show their support, while the chamber remained silent when he invited those opposed to speak.

“They are not here. I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.

The endorsements followed Akpabio’s response to criticism over remarks he made on Tuesday during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South.

During the debate, Akpabio referred to young people who contemplate suicide because they believe seven virgins await them in the afterlife. His comments attracted criticism from people who accused him of denigrating Muslims.

Responding on Thursday, the Senate President said discussions in the chamber should not be interpreted as attacks on religious groups. He also criticised television commentators whom he accused of taking lawmakers’ remarks out of context and using them for political purposes.

“I don’t like the idea of people sitting down on television and trying to misinterpret what we discuss here in the Senate,” Akpabio said.

He maintained that lawmakers must be free to disagree during debates while working towards making laws for the country.

Akpabio also rejected suggestions that he would disparage Islam, citing his relationships with Muslims and his record of supporting religious pilgrimages while serving as governor. He said he had sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the holy land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.

The show of support for Akpabio comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, after which the 11th National Assembly will be inaugurated and senators will elect their presiding officers.

Although Monguno and Fasuyi’s declarations signal support for Akpabio among some lawmakers, the endorsements do not constitute a formal election or guarantee his return. The next Senate presidency will ultimately be determined by the members of the 11th National Assembly when they vote to elect their leadership.