The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerians that preparations and campaigns for the 2027 general elections will not interfere with the legislative activities of the National Assembly.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Saturday while speaking with journalists at the Presidential Wing of the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Senate President said lawmakers would continue to perform their constitutional duties even as political parties, aspirants and their supporters increase consultations and preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
His comments followed growing political activities across the country, with several politicians already mobilising support and making plans for the next general elections.
There have also been concerns that lawmakers seeking re-election or other political positions could devote more attention to political activities at the expense of their responsibilities in the National Assembly.
However, Akpabio said lawmakers were capable of combining their political engagements with their duties as elected representatives.
He explained that members of the National Assembly have a four-year mandate and are expected to continue working throughout the period. According to him, campaign activities can be arranged around legislative schedules so that lawmakers can attend to their official responsibilities before taking part in political events.
The Senate President noted that members belong to different political parties and would therefore not all be involved in campaign activities at the same time.
He said the National Assembly would continue to make laws, conduct oversight and represent the interests of Nigerians regardless of the approaching elections.
Akpabio’s position comes shortly after he held a meeting with key members of the All Progressives Congress in the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District. At the meeting, President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno received endorsements for another term in office in 2027.
Political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns, consultations and mobilisation as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.
Despite the growing political activities, the National Assembly is expected to maintain its legislative responsibilities, including lawmaking, oversight of government agencies and representation of constituents.
Lawmakers who intend to contest for fresh terms or seek other political offices will also have to balance their campaign schedules with their responsibilities in the Senate and House of Representatives.