Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly asked President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday to endorse his re‑election as head of the 11th Senate in 2027 and to dissuade Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma from contesting the Senate presidency.
**What was the setting of the appeal?**
Akpabio made the request during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress ([APC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Progressives_Congress_(Nigeria))) Presidential Campaign Council at the State House in Abuja.
**What did Akpabio say to the president?**
“Mr President, you already know that we (the National Assembly) are with you. Please, take the advice of Governor Soludo seriously. He said if the cloth is not torn, why try to amend it? If you try to amend it, you are going to tear the cloth,” Akpabio told Tinubu, urging political backing for his Senate leadership bid.
**How did he address the governors present?**
He added, “If the National Assembly is so much with you, why not encourage them to come back and support you in your second term?”
**What warning was directed at Governor Uzodimma?**
Akpabio cautioned governors to focus on their current duties, stating, “You must not abandon your people. I served eight years as a governor. The constitution says you should do eight years. There is no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available.”
**What is Uzodimma’s political ambition?**
Although not named directly, the warning targeted Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is the APC senatorial candidate for Imo West District in the 2027 elections. Uzodimma, also secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, affirmed his intention to run for the Senate seat, saying, “I will be on the ballot as a senatorial candidate… The challenge of re‑electing Mr President is the challenge of re‑electing every member of APC.”
**How did President Tinubu respond?**
While inaugurating the council, Tinubu said the body would coordinate campaign activities across states and local governments, but he would remain focused on governing, adding, “I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign… So you will excuse me from going everywhere with you. We have bills to pay.”
**What are the timelines for the upcoming contests?**
Uzodimma’s second gubernatorial term ends in January 2028, while the 11th Senate is slated to commence in June 2027. The APC Presidential Campaign Council, led by Director‑General Abdulaziz Yari, is set to launch its campaign in Kaduna on 24 October, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, governors and other party leaders in attendance.
**What does this mean for the Senate presidency race?**
The Senate president is elected by senators, not directly by the president or governors, but presidential endorsement often influences the outcome. Akpabio’s plea signals a desire for continuity, whereas Uzodimma’s senatorial ambition introduces another heavyweight contender for the 2027 Senate leadership.