Legislature
Senate resumes with Akpabio’s warning against election violence.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has urged political leaders to ensure peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that no electoral prize is worth the life of any Nigerian.
Akpabio made the call on Tuesday during plenary as the Senate resumed legislative activities after its annual recess, with insecurity, flooding, the rising cost of living and the economy dominating discussions.
The Senate President expressed deep concern over the abduction of Nigerians in Marisa and at Dekera Mosque, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity and strengthen the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
He stressed that expressions of sympathy for victims of insecurity must be matched with decisive action, particularly in protecting citizens and securing communities vulnerable to attacks and abductions.
On the economy, Akpabio said the reforms being implemented by the Federal Government must ultimately translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He noted that citizens should be able to feel the impact of the reforms in their homes, businesses and communities, stressing the need for continued attention to the economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the Senate President urged political leaders to keep their campaigns peaceful and focused on issues affecting the country.
He cautioned against allowing political competition to degenerate into violence, stressing that the pursuit of political office should never come at the cost of human lives.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life,” Akpabio said.
The Senate also received six communications from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, covering appointments, the 2026 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as a number of establishment bills.
The communications and bills were referred to the relevant Senate committees for consideration.
The lawmakers also mourned the passing of former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, and the late Emir of Gumel, Ahmed Muhammad Sani, paying tribute to their contributions to their respective communities and the country.
As the upper chamber returned to plenary, Akpabio said the Senate was fully conscious of the challenges confronting Nigeria and the responsibility before lawmakers to respond with urgency and purpose.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Senate to addressing issues affecting Nigerians while advancing legislative measures aimed at strengthening governance, security and the nation’s economic wellbeing.