Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that early politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections will not interfere with the work of the National Assembly.
Akpabio spoke with journalists on Saturday at the Presidential Wing of the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, shortly after convening a meeting of APC critical stakeholders in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
At the meeting, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno received unanimous endorsement for second terms in 2027.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President said electioneering and lawmaking are separate responsibilities and can run side by side.
“We are elected for four years and we are going to work for four years. Anybody that is walking on the tight rope must be able to do the balancing act,” Akpabio said.
“We are politicians and campaigns would start very soon. Campaigns can be fixed in the afternoons or evenings while we do our work in the mornings.”
He added that because lawmakers belong to different political parties, not everyone will be on the campaign trail at the same time.
“It is not a problem at all. Nothing will affect legislation. We will continue to make laws to take care of the needs of the people. It has never affected the work of the parliament,” he stressed.
The Senate President’s remarks come amid growing conversations within the APC in Akwa Ibom over 2027 permutations, even as the current National Assembly is still in its second year.
At the stakeholder meeting, party leaders in Akwa Ibom North West said the early endorsement was aimed at consolidating the gains of the Tinubu administration and strengthening APC structures ahead of the next election cycle. They cited ongoing federal projects in the state, including road infrastructure and constituency interventions, as reasons for rallying behind Tinubu, Akpabio and Governor Eno for another term. Akpabio urged members to remain focused on grassroots mobilization while avoiding distractions that could undermine governance.
Political observers note that the pronouncement is an attempt to calm fears that early campaigns could slow legislative output, especially with major bills on electoral reform, budget implementation and security still pending before the National Assembly. Akpabio maintained that the 10th Senate remains committed to its legislative calendar, and that committee work, oversight and plenary sessions will continue as scheduled. He added that the APC leadership will ensure party activities do not clash with the constitutional duties of lawmakers.
