By Pauline Podka
THE National Assembly has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, during the APC national summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The motion was moved by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and supported by principal officers of both chambers, demonstrating strong legislative backing for the President’s re-election bid.
Akpabio opened the proceedings with a call to both words and action, stating, “This is that, we will do the talk, but at the same time, we must walk the talk.”
He acknowledged the challenges inherited by the current administration, saying, “In totality, what they are saying is that even though you met a fumbling economy, and the fact that you have been able to improve the economy, there is growth despite the world recession.”
He further highlighted improvements in national security, recounting a personal conversation with a senator: “The senator confided with me that now in his community, he can sleep with three eyes closed, and that in the last five years, he had not visited his community because of insecurity.”
Akpabio noted that despite “sporadic terrorist attacks here and there by young enemies and our enemies and enemies of Nigeria, you have done very well. You have done Nigeria good.”
Reflecting on the summit’s atmosphere, Akpabio expressed excitement at the unity displayed.
He said: “I saw our governors. I saw our former governors. I just turned, I saw our former presiding officers. I saw Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; I even forgot that he had joined the APC. And I turned around, I saw my other senior brother, Ken Namani, and he said, ‘You have forgotten me.’ I said, ‘No, sir, it’s work, but take me from here straight to your house.’ What it means is that the party has been able to bring all of us together.”
He cautioned against complacency, reminding the party of past electoral challenges.
“Many people promised you votes, very large rallies in some regions in the country. But, when the final votes were announced, you could not get 25 percent in many of those states that spoke so well. So, there is no need for eloquent speeches. Let the results that will come in 2027 reflect the action and the speeches that we are saying here today.”
Akpabio added, “Politics is not over until it is over, and that you will still have enemies. It is a tree that bears the sweetest fruit that also gets the highest amount of stones.”
Detailing the National Assembly’s accomplishments, Akpabio said, “Since we came on board, we have done a total of 477 bills. This will include during this period, this midterm period, we have passed at least 25 bills, and we have ascended many of them into Acts of Parliament. Many others are at advanced stages.”
He praised the President’s commitment to education: “You have established 32 new universities in Nigeria within two years of being in office. This includes even some major federal politicians’ colleges of education and specialized institutions, one of which I’m very excited about, the University of Environment in Ogoniland, land ravaged by over 60 years of oil exploitation and exploration. You took a university to them so that they will study how to bring back the oil or the land for the benefit of the people. We are very proud in the Niger Delta, and we thank you for this.”
On student support, he noted, “The Students Loans Act is a novelty never heard in Africa. Very poor people in various homes in Nigeria today can take loans and go and obtain higher education.”
Akpabio also highlighted economic reforms: “The National Economic Stabilization and Recovery Act targets inflation control, investment attraction, and economic reform… Today, our economy is on track.”
Security and Healthcare Reforms
On national security, he stated, “You have streamlined and strengthened Nigerian internal security system and the framework, and that is why you cannot hear of any part of Nigeria today still hoisting foreign flags or Boko Haram flags. They come in a general fashion, attack and run away in a cowardly way; they can no longer stand and face our military.”
He saluted the armed forces and the President as commander-in-chief for “providing the right leadership that has strengthened the national security architecture.”
Regarding healthcare, Akpabio said, “The Universal Healthcare Coverage Act has broadened access to quality healthcare across the Federation of Nigeria.”
Other Key Legislative Initiatives
He also mentioned the Petroleum Industry Reform Act, “which enhances accountability, transparency, and competitiveness in the oil and gas industry and the renewed investment in that sector.”
On grassroots development, he explained, “The Regional Development Commissions Act creates strata to assist state governments and parties to get more to the grassroots to enable us to reach the people faster.”
Akpabio acknowledged the President’s support for state governments: “I want to thank you because you give them Infrastructure Development Fund, which is shared across the states of the Federation… Many governors have said that it is that extra money that you have been giving us that enabled them to do all these things.”
He reiterated the Senate’s oversight role: “We have moved about 150 motions and passed resolutions that have impacted key economic areas, national security, unit development, and public sector reforms. We have confirmed 215 nominees across various strategic positions.”
On constitutional reforms, Akpabio said, “We have set up a 47-member constitutional review committee to look at the 1999 constitution. The key focus of amendments are in the areas of devolution of powers, state policing, electoral reforms, local government autonomy, and giving traditional rulers the opportunity.”
He applauded the President’s minimum wage increase: “Your bill on minimum wage is something that must be applauded. From 30,000, you have given us about 70,000 today, and workers are happy.”
Akpabio highlighted international engagement: “The Senate has engaged in international parliamentary diplomacy and strengthened Nigeria’s influence with strategic partners such as China, the UAE, ECOWAS parliament, and the Pan African Parliament.”
On security coordination, he added, “We are enhancing coordination between national security agencies, providing better funding for counter-terrorism, improving intelligence sharing and early warning systems, and addressing root causes of insecurity through empowerment.”
In conclusion, Akpabio urged continued vigilance and unity: “We still have enemies, and politics is a game of witchcraft. They meet in the night, and things change in the daytime. So don’t allow me to come and stand in front of this august assembly and promise you that I will deliver South in Nigeria. Go and sleep. Please don’t sleep. Otherwise, I will be telling you live, we still have a lot of work to do.”
He ended with a reminder of the legislature’s unique role: “When we pass a resolution, the public listens to you. When the governors pass resolutions, the public thinks those are part and parcel of governance. The only people empowered to pass major resolutions remain the legislature—the House of Representatives and the Senate”, he thereafter made a voice call for his endorsement which was met with a resounding yes.