Oct 22, 2026

Don’t Discard Experience, Akpabio Tells Political Parties

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Abuja, Nigeria—October 22, 2026—Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned political parties against denying experienced lawmakers tickets to return to the National Assembly, warning that such decisions could deprive the legislature of valuable institutional knowledge and weaken democratic governance.

Speaking during plenary on Thursday, Akpabio urged parties to give greater consideration to lawmakers’ competence, experience, and contributions when deciding candidates for future elections.

Focus on Continuity and Competence

He specifically cited Senator Francis Faduyile, a former president of the Nigerian Medical Association who was elected to represent Ondo South in a by-election earlier this year after the seat became vacant following Jimoh Ibrahim’s appointment as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

“It is not good for a senator to serve in the senate for only one year and then leave,” Akpabio said. “Political parties must take a closer look at their decisions, particularly when dealing with serious-minded individuals who can make meaningful contributions to legislation and national development.”

He added that denying capable lawmakers return tickets “deprives the legislature of their experience.”

Legislature Not for Patronage

Akpabio stressed that the National Assembly should not be treated as a platform for political patronage or “sharing political largesse.”

He argued that legislative positions should prioritize experience, competence, and commitment to national development.

Drawing from international examples, he referenced long-serving U.S. senators such as Robert Byrd, who represented West Virginia for 51 years, and former President Joe Biden, who served Delaware in the Senate from 1973 to 2009.

“That is the kind of experience we are talking about,” he said, noting that long-serving lawmakers develop institutional knowledge that improves parliamentary proceedings and the quality of lawmaking.

The Senate President also highlighted the link between the quality of laws and the quality of governance, urging lawmakers to remain committed to producing legislation that strengthens democratic institutions and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

This report is based on coverage by TheCable published on October 22, 2026.