Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi have publicly backed Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a second term, declaring that there is “no vacancy” in the office ahead of the inauguration of the 11th National Assembly in 2027.

The lawmakers expressed their support during Thursday’s plenary, signalling confidence that Akpabio would retain his position after the 2027 general elections.

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Monguno, who represents Borno North Senatorial District, said he expected most incumbent senators to return to the chamber and expressed confidence that Akpabio would continue leading the Senate.

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

He extended the declaration to the office of the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers of the Senate.

Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, also endorsed Akpabio’s second-term ambition, insisting 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,” he said.

Following the declarations, Akpabio asked senators whether they agreed with the position expressed by his colleagues.

When he called on those in support to say “aye”, an audible response came from the chamber. However, no audible response was recorded when he invited opposing voices.

“I think that settles it,” Akpabio said.

The exchange provided a public show of support for Akpabio’s bid to remain Senate President beyond the current Assembly.

However, the declarations do not amount to a formal election or guarantee his return to the position.

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The leadership of the 11th National Assembly will be determined through the election of presiding officers when the new Assembly is inaugurated following the 2027 general elections.