Says no victory is worth a Nigerian life
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA: Ahead of the 2027 presidential and general elections, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has warned political actors against using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread falsehoods and deepen divisions in the country.
Akpabio said politicians must ensure that the electoral contest did not become a platform for communal, religious or regional divisions, stressing that political differences should not destroy the bonds holding the country together.
He spoke on Tuesday in his address of welcome as the Senate resumed plenary after its two-month annual recess, which began on July 23, 2026.
The Senate President said campaigns for the 2027 elections had begun and political parties had chosen their candidates, urging those seeking elective offices to present their programmes with conviction and allow Nigerians to make their choices freely.
“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians. We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another.
“Let every candidate make a case and answer hard questions. Let every citizen be free to decide. We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.
Akpabio also urged politicians to remember that they would have to continue living together as Nigerians after the elections.
“Let the contest be vigorous, let it be open, and let every participant remember the country that we must live together when the contest is over,” he said.
Senate renews focus on challenges
As the Senate resumed plenary, Akpabio pledged a renewed legislative focus on insecurity, flooding and the rising cost of living confronting Nigerians.
He said the legislature would intensify its constitutional responsibilities through legislation, appropriation and oversight to address the challenges facing the country.
The Senate President expressed sympathy with families whose loved ones had been abducted and communities affected by violence and flooding, saying the Senate could not afford to remain passive.
According to him, the suspension of plenary during the recess did not mean that the challenges confronting Nigerians had stopped.
He urged the Senate to maintain its legislative and oversight responsibilities throughout the election season, despite the political activities involving members of the chamber.
Akpabio said the Senate, comprising lawmakers from different political parties, regions and ideological persuasions, must demonstrate that political differences could coexist with national responsibility.
“This Senate must show the way. Within these walls sit men and women of different parties, regions and convictions, entrusted with the representation of one Republic. We shall continue to disagree, as a free Parliament must.
“Yet we must hear one another, conduct our affairs with dignity and fulfil our duties throughout the campaign season. The people sent us here to serve until the end of our mandate. There is work before us, and we shall remain at our posts in spite of the campaigns,” he said.
Calls for intensified security efforts
Akpabio called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians held captive by armed groups and protect communities affected by insecurity.
He said the Senate would examine what more could be done through legislation, appropriation and oversight to address the security challenges.
He spoke against the backdrop of security challenges faced by communities during the Senate’s recess, including reported abductions at Marisa and Dekera Mosque, as well as the impact of flooding in parts of the country.
“As long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” he said.
“We shall examine, through legislation, appropriation and oversight, what more must be done to end these infernal assaults upon our people. We cannot summon citizens to courage and then leave them to face danger alone.”
‘Economy is felt by mothers counting meal costs’
On the economy, Akpabio acknowledged the pressure facing households and urged the Senate to remain conscious of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on ordinary Nigerians.
He said citizens would ultimately judge government by the changes they experienced in their daily lives.
“We must examine figures, forecasts and reforms with care. But we must never forget how the economy is felt beyond this Chamber: by the mother counting the cost of a meal, the graduate searching for work and the small business owner striving to keep the doors open,” he said.
On flooding, the Senate President called for greater preparedness in responding to disasters, noting that the impact on farmers and households ultimately had consequences for the wider economy.
“A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended,” he said.
As Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, Akpabio urged senators to return to their legislative duties with renewed commitment to national unity.
“In two days, Nigeria will mark sixty-six years of independence. We shall honour those who believed that this vast and varied land could govern itself and shape its destiny.
“We honour them most faithfully when we guard the freedom they helped secure and use it to enlarge the prospects of those who come after us. Patriotism requires clear eyes and a steadfast heart: clear eyes to see our difficulties, courage to confront them and steadfastness to go on building together,” he said.
Akpabio added: “Let us, then, return to our duties with steady hands. Let us work for the safety of our people, the strength of our institutions and a better chance in life for every child of this Republic.
“Let us campaign with honour, debate with conviction and serve with humility. We have returned to this Chamber because Nigeria’s work continues. By God’s grace, we shall keep faith with her, and with the people who sent us here.”
Meanwhile, the Senate has adjourned plenary until October 13, 2026.
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