2027: Arewa Group Urges Lawmakers To Back Akpabio, Abbas 

A group, Arewa Think Tank, has commended senators backing Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s second-term bid, urging members of the House of Representatives to similarly support Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for another term in the 11th National Assembly.

The convener of the group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said the endorsements reflected confidence in Akpabio’s leadership and the need for continuity in the National Assembly.

Yakubu specifically commended Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, Senator Cyril Fasuyi and other lawmakers who have publicly expressed support for Akpabio’s return as Senate President after the 2027 general elections.

The senators had declared their support for Akpabio during plenary, insisting that there was no vacancy in the office ahead of the inauguration of the next National Assembly.

Reacting to the development, Yakubu said continuity in legislative leadership could promote stability, strengthen democratic institutions and improve cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

He described the support for Akpabio as an indication that some lawmakers valued experience and stability in the administration of the Senate.

“We commend Senator Tahir Monguno, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, and every other senator who has openly expressed confidence in the Senate President. Their position underscores the importance of unity, mutual trust, and collective responsibility in building a Senate that responds effectively to the aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.

The group also urged members of the House of Representatives to support Abbas for a second term, maintaining that both chambers should retain their current presiding officers.

“We also want to call on members of the House of Representatives to emulate the senators by backing the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, for his second-term bid because, as far as we are concerned, there is no vacancy for the respective top positions at the National Assembly,” Yakubu said.

He said the performance of legislative leaders should be assessed based on the quality of lawmaking, effective oversight and their ability to work with other arms of government to address the country’s challenges.

Yakubu added that lawmakers should prioritise national interest over personal ambition and focus on policies that would improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

He identified security, economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development across the six geopolitical zones as areas requiring sustained legislative attention.

“Nigeria needs a legislature that understands the weight of its responsibility to the people. Our lawmakers must remain focused on policies that promote peace, strengthen security, create jobs, stimulate economic activities, and improve the welfare of citizens,” he said.

Yakubu urged senators and other political stakeholders to sustain consultations and promote unity while respecting the constitutional and parliamentary procedures for electing the leadership of the next National Assembly.

He acknowledged that the final decision on who would lead the Senate and the House of Representatives in the 11th National Assembly would rest with the lawmakers elected in 2027, when the new assembly convenes to elect its principal officers.

He said the endorsements of Akpabio highlighted the role of consensus-building and confidence among lawmakers in shaping the leadership of the legislature.

Yakubu reaffirmed the group’s commitment to national unity, democratic stability and responsible leadership, urging political leaders to work towards a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.