Epelle warns Akpabio: Senate presidency not hereditary throne, calls support move constitutional slap
Political commentator Jake Epelle has condemned the October 15 motion supporting Godswill Akpabio's return as Senate President before the 2027 elections, calling it a constitutional violation and 'slap in Nigerians' faces.' The motion, moved by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi of Ekiti North, declared there was 'no vacancy' in the presidency despite Akpabio's term not being up for renewal until after next year's polls.
Epelle argued on Arise News that Sections 50-60 of Nigeria's Constitution require the Senate President to be elected by newly elected Assembly members, not appointed through preliminary motions. He stated that treating the position as a hereditary throne violates the oath Akpabio took as both a lawyer and Senate President, accusing him of begging the President to retain his role despite knowing better. This, he said, turns the Senate into a monarchy and undermines democratic process.
While the motion shows political backing for Akpabio, analysts note it doesn't guarantee his re-election—the incoming 11th Senate must still elect its presiding officers when inaugurated in 2027. This pre-election positioning raises questions about whether political elites are attempting to sidestep constitutional norms ahead of the 2027 polls, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for legislative succession.
Will Nigerians accept this early endorsement as political reality, or demand strict adherence to the constitutional process that requires new senators to choose their leader after the 2027 elections?