‘Stop Chasing Unavailable Positions — Akpabio Warns Governors To Complete Eight-Year Tenure

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged serving governors to concentrate on fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities rather than pursuing other political offices before completing their eight-year tenure.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Akpabio gave the advice on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.

Addressing the governors, the Senate President warned them against neglecting the people who elected them in pursuit of further political ambitions. He encouraged them to remain focused on governance and complete their constitutionally permitted two terms in office.

“For my brothers who are governors, I want you to know that you must not abandon your people,” Akpabio said.

Drawing from his experience as governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015, he argued that elected officials should prioritise their commitments to the electorate instead of seeking positions that may not be available to them.

“I did eight years as a governor. And the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” he stated.

Akpabio, who said he had spent more than 25 years in politics, attributed his electoral successes to his commitment to the people and his willingness to stand by them.

He maintained that politicians could strengthen their chances of success by remaining connected to their constituents and addressing their concerns rather than becoming distracted by ambitions for other offices.

“I have been in this business for over 25 years, and I always win. And why I always win is because I stand with people,” he said.

The Senate President’s remarks come amid broader political manoeuvring ahead of future elections, as serving governors and other political figures consider their next steps after completing their current mandates.

Meanwhile, the Senate had previously amended its standing rules to restrict eligibility for the positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President to lawmakers who have served at least eight years, equivalent to two consecutive terms.

The amendment introduced a tenure requirement for senators seeking the two leadership positions, adding another dimension to discussions about political succession and eligibility for key offices.