SECOND TERM BID FOR SENATE PRESIDENT IN 11TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL: NIGERIANS REJECT AKPABIO, BARAU, SAY SENATE IS NOT A RETIREMENT HOME



SECOND TERM BID FOR SENATE PRESIDENT IN 11TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL: NIGERIANS REJECT AKPABIO, BARAU, SAY SENATE IS NOT A RETIREMENT HOME


By Comrade Dr. Kenneth Oshiogwemoh

Public Communicator & Political Affairs Analyst

Edo North Senatorial Stakeholders


17th October, 2026 | Abuja, Edo North


The reported endorsement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau for a second term in the 11th National Assembly by some members of the 10th Senate on Thursday, 15th October 2026, is a dangerous assault on constitutionalism and democratic principles.


What Has The 10th Senate Under Akpabio Achieved For Nigerians?


Nigerians are asking a simple question: Where is the impact of the 10th Senate on the lives of ordinary citizens?


Under this leadership, capital budget implementation has been extended four times, leading to an unprecedented three-year budget rollover without full execution. Trillions of naira are appropriated yearly, yet Nigerians in Edo North and across the country cannot see roads, hospitals and schools to match the figures.


Defending The Constitution Is A Sacred Duty


Every Senator swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That oath demands accountability, transparency and oversight ,not political perpetuity.


As an observer of our democracy, I ask: How many contracts awarded since 2024 have been verified, authenticated and published? The National Bureau of Statistics and relevant agencies must publish these details in national dailies for public scrutiny.


Constitutional Position


This pre-emptive endorsement violates the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended):


1.Section 50(1)(a) & (b): “There shall be a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.” Election, not endorsement.


2.Section 50(2)(c): The President or Deputy President shall vacate office if he ceases to be a member of the Senate. Every Assembly must elect its own leadership afresh.


3.Sections 88 and 89: Empower the National Assembly to expose corruption, inefficiency and waste in budget implementation.


4.Sections 80-81: Vest the power of the purse in the National Assembly to protect public funds.


Implications For Nigeria


a) Erosion of separation of powers and legislative independence

b) Deepening poverty and underdevelopment due to poor oversight

c) Reduction of the Senate to a retirement home for political elites


Conclusion: Nigeria Needs New Leadership In 2027


Nigeria in 2027 needs a new, independent and people-oriented Senate leadership that will uphold the Constitution, monitor budget implementation diligently and defend the interest of the masses.


The era of pre-emptive endorsement, endless budget rollover and political perpetuity must end.


Nigerians want a Senate that works for the people, not for itself.


Comrade Dr. Kenneth Oshiogwemoh is a Public Communicator and Political Affairs Analyst and writes from Abuja, Edo North Senatorial District.

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