Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the upper legislative chamber will continue to discharge its responsibilities despite the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general election.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday while welcoming senators back to
plenary after the recess.
He said political parties had chosen their candidates, and
citizens would soon be required to weigh competing visions, but lawmakers must
remain focused on their constitutional duties.
“The people sent us here to serve until the end of our
mandate. There is work before us, and we shall remain at our posts in spite of
the campaigns,” Akpabio said.
‘LET THE CONTEST BE OPEN’
Akpabio urged candidates to campaign vigorously while
respecting the country’s unity and avoiding actions that could deepen
divisions.
“Let the candidates for the various offices speak, and speak
with conviction for the causes they hold dear,” he said.
“Let the contest be vigorous; let it be open; and let every
participant remember the country that must live together when the contest is
over.”
He said political differences should not be allowed to
create divisions along community, religious or regional lines.
“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to
walk hand in hand as Nigerians,” he said.
“We can contend without setting community against community,
faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another.”
‘NO ELECTORAL PRIZE IS WORTH A NIGERIAN LIFE’
The senate president also called on political actors to
reject violence, intimidation and misinformation during the campaign season.
He urged candidates to make their cases to voters and allow
citizens to freely decide who to support.
“We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the
falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake,” Akpabio said.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory
deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded.”
Akpabio added that the senate must lead by example, noting
that its members belong to different political parties, regions and ideological
backgrounds but remain representatives of one country.
He urged senators to continue to disagree where necessary
while conducting legislative business with dignity throughout the campaign
period.
Akpabio also called on security agencies to intensify
efforts to rescue Nigerians held captive by armed groups and protect vulnerable
communities.
“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a
part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of
the burden,” he said.
He said the senate would examine, through legislation,
appropriation and oversight, what more could be done to address insecurity.
Akpabio also expressed solidarity with Nigerians affected by
floods and called for timely preparation, protection and relief.
“A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead
to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended,” he
said.
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