11th Senate Race: Akpabio Seeks Tinubu's Backing, Warns Uzodimma Over Political Ambition

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support his bid to return as presiding officer of the 11th National Assembly, while issuing a veiled warning to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma over ambitions for another political office.

The remarks came during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on October 14, 2026.

According to Premium Times, Akpabio asked Tinubu to encourage lawmakers to return to the National Assembly and support the president's re-election campaign. He also cautioned governors against pursuing other offices before completing their responsibilities to their constituents.

The exchange has drawn attention to the political calculations surrounding the 2027 elections and the emerging contest for leadership of the next Senate.

Akpabio's Message to Tinubu

Akpabio reminded the president of the National Assembly's support for his administration and suggested that the lawmakers' continued backing should be encouraged.

His appeal was widely interpreted as an attempt to secure Tinubu's support for his own return as Senate president after the 2027 elections.

Akpabio also invoked a metaphor attributed to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, suggesting that changing an arrangement that was working could create unnecessary problems.

Although the Senate president did not explicitly name Uzodimma in his warning to governors, Premium Times reported that the remarks appeared directed at the Imo governor, who is seeking election to the Senate.

Why Uzodimma Is Part of the Conversation

Uzodimma, who serves as APC secretary for the presidential campaign council, confirmed that he would contest the Imo West senatorial seat in the January 16, 2027 elections.

He argued that the success of Tinubu's re-election campaign was closely linked to the electoral fortunes of other APC candidates.

The governor also urged party members to put internal disagreements aside and work together.

Premium Times reported that Uzodimma was being linked to a possible bid to succeed Akpabio as Senate president. However, contesting for a Senate seat and becoming Senate president are separate political steps: winning a senatorial election would not automatically guarantee the leadership position.

Uzodimma's current gubernatorial term is expected to end in January 2028, while the 11th Senate is scheduled to begin in June 2027. His reported plan to leave office early if elected would therefore have implications for the timing of the transition in Imo State.

Who Decides the Next Senate President?

Nigeria's Senate president is elected by senators from among themselves. The president of the federation does not directly appoint the Senate president, although presidential backing and party negotiations can influence the contest.

The outcome will depend on the composition of the Senate after the 2027 elections, the candidates who emerge and the support they can secure from their colleagues.

Akpabio's appeal signals his interest in maintaining the current leadership arrangement, while reports of Uzodimma's ambition point to the possibility of competition within the APC.

The contest could become clearer as parties settle their candidates and lawmakers negotiate alliances ahead of the inauguration of the next National Assembly.

Tinubu's Campaign Council and the APC's 2027 Strategy

The disagreement emerged as the APC formally launched its presidential campaign structure.

Tinubu said his responsibilities as president would prevent him from attending every campaign rally, adding that governing the country and meeting its financial obligations would remain priorities.

The campaign council is expected to coordinate mobilization across states and local government areas while the president continues his official duties.

The episode illustrates how preparations for the presidential election are unfolding alongside negotiations over legislative leadership and the political ambitions of influential party figures.

Note:

Akpabio's appeal to Tinubu and his warning to governors have brought the succession question in the 11th Senate into public view well before the next National Assembly is inaugurated.

For now, three issues remain distinct: Tinubu's re-election campaign, Uzodimma's bid for a Senate seat and Akpabio's effort to retain the Senate presidency.

The decisive factor in choosing the next Senate president will be the votes of senators elected in 2027, even though negotiations and political endorsements may shape the process.

Source: Premium Times Nigeria