In every country, there are certain political positions with immense power and influence. In Nigeria, one of these positions is the Senate President. Chosen by the majority of members in the Senate, this person leads several important bodies within the country and is a major force behind certain policy decisions.
As such, citizens must stay informed about who holds this prestigious title. In this article, we’ll answer that exact question: Who is the Current Senate President of Nigeria? We’ll also provide a brief biography of Nigeria’s current Senate President.
Overview of Nigerian Senate
If you’re curious about the current Senate President of Nigeria, it’s important first to understand the Nigerian Senate itself.
The Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives are one of the two chambers of the country’s bicameral legislature. It has 109 members, 3 from each state and 1 from each of the Federal Capital Territory’s 6 area councils. The Senate President serves as the head of this chamber and is elected by a majority vote by all 109 members.
The role of the Senate President is an important one; they preside over sessions in both chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly and can vote to break a tie if needed. The Senate President also works with other political party members to shape policy and legislation. In addition, their public statements on national issues represent the opinion of the Senate and the government.
Now that we better understand the role, let’s move on to find out who currently holds this honour.
Who is the Current Senate President of Nigeria?
The Senate President of Nigeria is the head of the upper chamber of the National Assembly and is elected by the members of the Senate.
The current Senate President is Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), elected in June 2023. He has since then devoted his efforts towards passing and enacting laws to benefit Nigerians nationwide.
Senator Godswill Akpabio is no stranger to politics; he was a former governor of Akwa Ibom State before being elected as the President of the Senate by his colleagues after returning to the Senate for the second time.
Senator Godswill Akpabio’s passion for leadership led him to become a founding member of several political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), before decamping to the All Progressive Congress (APC). With such diverse experiences, Senator Godswill Akpabio has brought much knowledge and skill to his role as Senate President.
Early Life and Education of Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Godswill Akpabio is the current Senate President of Nigeria and has been in office since June 2023. Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio CON (born December 9, 1962) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician.
Akpabio attended Methodist Primary School in Ukana, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State, the Federal Government College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the University of Calabar, Cross River State. He is also a law graduate of the University of Calabar.
While attending the Federal Government College in Port Harcourt, he was named Senior Prefect. Akpabio was elected as the University of Calabar’s parliamentary year’s speaker.
The political career of Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio
In 2002, Governor Obong Victor Attah appointed Akpabio as the Honourable Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in Akwa Ibom State, marking the beginning of an illustrious political journey. This article explores Akpabio’s remarkable career, from serving as a commissioner to becoming a senator and eventually a minister.
Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources
Akpabio assumed the role of Honourable Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources in 2002, a pivotal position that allowed him to contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom State. He also served as a commissioner in Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Lands and Housing, showcasing his commitment to public service.
Governorship Years (2007-2015)
In 2007, Akpabio’s popularity and widespread support led to his election as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He continued to serve his constituents for a second term, securing re-election in 2011. During this time, he also assumed the role of Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum in 2013, demonstrating his leadership within the party.
Senatorial Victory
Akpabio’s political journey took another turn in 2015 when he contested and triumphed in the Senate race for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District (Ikot Ekpene). Representing his district in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he remained dedicated to the welfare of his constituents.
Ministerial Appointment
In July 2015, Akpabio received a significant nomination when the South-South caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) selected him for the position of Senate Minority Leader. However 2018, he made a significant move by defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and resigning from his Senate role. President Muhammadu Buhari nominated him for a Ministerial appointment, and on August 21, 2019, he was sworn in as the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, a vital position for the region’s development.
Presidential Aspirations and Senatorial Victory
Akpabio’s political journey continued to evolve in 2022 when he resigned from his ministerial post to enter the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC). While initially contested, he graciously stepped down in favour of Bola Tinubu. Shortly thereafter, he emerged as the Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District amid accusations of foul play. However, he prevailed in the elections, further solidifying his influence in Nigerian politics.
Full List of Nigerian Senate Presidents Till Date
NAME-TENURE-POLITICAL PARTY
- Nnamdi Azikiwe- 1960-NCNC
- Dennis Osadebay-1960-1963- NCNC
- Nwafor Orizu-1963-1966-NCNC
- Joseph Wayas-1979-1983-NPN
- Iyorchia Ayu-1992-1993-SDP
- Ameh Ebute-1993- SDP
- Evan Enwerem-1999-PDP
- Chuba Okadigbo-1999-2000-PDP
- Anyim Pius Anyim-2000-2003-PDP
- Adolphus Wabara-2003-2005-PDP
- Ken Nnamani-2005-2007-PDP
- David Mark-2007-2015-PDP
- Bukola Saraki-2015 -2019-APC
- Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan-2019 – 2023 -APC
- Godswill Akpabio – 2023 – till date – APC
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have some questions about the current Senate President of Nigeria; here are a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the role:
Who Elects the Senate President?
The 109 senators in the Nigerian Senate elect their own President. This is done by secret ballot, with each senator casting one vote for one preferred candidate. The winner is then declared the President of the Senate.
How Long Does a Senate President Serve?
The current Senate President serves a 4-year term; 2023 is when a new president will be elected by secret ballot by the 109 senators in Nigeria’s Upper House of Parliament.
What Powers Does The Senate President Have?
The current Senate President has significant powers to guide the activities of the Nigerian Senate, such as to set agendas, guarantee order during sessions, exercise disciplinary control over senators and represent the Upper House in diplomatic engagements with other nations.
What kind of experience does Ahmad Lawan have?
Godswill Akpabio has over 25 years of experience in politics and public service.
He began his teaching career before becoming an associate partner at the prestigious law firm Paul Usoro and Co.
Furthermore, Akpabio made strides in telecommunications, serving as Managing Director/CEO of EMIS Telecoms Limited.
He served as Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022, when he resigned on President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to run in the All Progressives Congress presidential primaries. From 2007 to 2015, Akpabio was the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Conclusion
The current Senate President of Nigeria is Senator Godswill Akpabio, elected in June 2023. Since taking office, Senator Akpabio has started to work tirelessly to improve the legislative process in Nigeria and has taken steps to increase the effectiveness of the Nigerian Senate. His comprehensive legislative agenda focuses on improving Nigeria’s economic, social, and political climate, and his commitment to the people and the nation is evident in all his work. With Senator Akpabio at the helm, the Senate of Nigeria is expected to continue to grow and improve in the years to come.