Political Commentator, Founder/CEO, TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, has reminded the Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the Senate presidency is not a hereditary throne.
He wants Akpabio and his team to understand that the Senate is not a monarchy, adding that the former Akwa Ibom State governor and those listening to him are violating the constitution and slapping Nigerians in the face.
Recall that on October 15, 2026, senators backed a motion declaring that there was “no vacancy” in the Senate presidency, signalling support for Akpabio to return for another term even before the 2027 general election.
The motion was moved by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi of Ekiti North.
However, the motion only expresses political support for the Senate President but does not automatically guarantee Akpabio’s re-election.
The incoming 11th Senate must still elect its presiding officers when it is inaugurated in 2027.
Speaking on Arise News, Epelle sent a direct warning to this Senate, insisting they must not turned the hallowed chamber into a one-man business.
“Number one, Akpabio and his team must understand that the Senate is not a monarchy, neither is the Senate presidency a hereditary throne.There is no transfer of position or legislative position to an individual by mere pronouncing it or passing a motion when this is practically an electable position.
“Let let me say that the likes of Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, that sat and listened to that kind of motion, whatever it is called, it’s a total violation of the constitution. I think I go further to say it’s a slap of Nigerians’ faces because Section 50, Subsection One, up to Section 60 clarify what has to be done for a position of a Senate president.
“He has to practically be elected by the new elected assembly members. So invariably, I think he was ill-advised. even allowing whoever presented that motion to present it, because what you’re simply saying, is that you’ve already been selected, you’ve already all sure of coming back as a member of the 11th National Assembly or Senate.
“So is there something that they are telling us? Is there a script that they are trying to play out? Are they saying that they’ve already been selected, whether there’s election or no election?
“I saw him at the State House, literally begging the president to keep his position. So, what I’m saying is that he’s a lawyer. He should have known that this is a total violation of the very constitution he swore as a lawyer to uphold. Then as a senate president to uphold.
“It is a total assault of the constitution. A slap on Nigerians and very undemocratic.”
