Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections will not interfere with the legislative responsibilities of members of the National Assembly.
Akpabio gave the assurance while speaking with journalists at the presidential wing of the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in the state.
The Senate President said lawmakers were elected to serve four-year terms and would continue to perform their constitutional duties despite their involvement in electioneering and political campaigns.
“We are elected for four years, and we are going to work for four years. Anybody that is walking on the tiny rope must be able to do the balancing act,” Akpabio said.
He explained that lawmakers could organise their campaign schedules around their legislative responsibilities, noting that political activities could take place outside parliamentary working hours.
“We are politicians, and campaigns will start very soon. Campaigns can be fixed in the afternoons or evenings while we do our work in the mornings,” he added.
Akpabio also pointed out that members of the National Assembly belong to different political parties and would therefore not all be involved in campaign activities at the same time.
He maintained that the development would not affect the parliament’s ability to make laws or address issues affecting Nigerians.
“Nothing will affect legislation. We will continue to make laws to take care of the needs of the people. It has never affected the work of the parliament,” the Senate President said.
His comments come as political consultations and preparations for the 2027 elections intensify across Nigeria. Several politicians have already begun mobilising support and seeking endorsements ahead of the polls.
The issue is significant because lawmakers seeking re-election or other political offices will have to balance their electoral campaigns with legislative responsibilities.
Akpabio’s assurance is therefore aimed at allaying concerns that increased political activity could slow legislative proceedings or distract lawmakers from their constitutional duties.
The National Assembly is expected to continue its functions of lawmaking, oversight and representation as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
