Political commentator, Jake Epelle has reminded Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the Senate presidency is not a hereditary throne.
He urged Akpabio and his team to understand that the Senate is not a monarchy, adding that the former Akwa Ibom State governor and those who listened to him were violating the Constitution and slapping Nigerians in the face.
Recall that on October 15, 2026, senators backed a motion declaring that there was “no vacancy” in the Senate presidency, signalling support for Akpabio to return for another term even before the 2027 general election.
The motion was moved by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and seconded by Senator Cyril Fasuyi of Ekiti North.
However, the motion, which some analysts have described as a sign of desperation, only expresses political support for the Senate President but does not automatically guarantee Akpabio’s re-election.
The incoming 11th Senate must still elect its presiding officers when it is inaugurated in 2027.
Speaking on Arise News, Epelle issued a direct warning to the current Senate, insisting that its members must not turn the hallowed chamber into a one-man business.
“Number one, Akpabio and his team must understand that the Senate is not a monarchy, neither is the Senate presidency a hereditary throne.
"There is no transfer of position or legislative position to an individual by merely pronouncing it or passing a motion when this is practically an electable position.
“Let me say that the likes of Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, who sat and listened to that kind of motion, whatever it is called, are in total violation of the Constitution.
"I think I will go further to say it is a slap in Nigerians’ faces because Section 50, Subsection One, up to Section 60, clarifies what has to be done for the position of Senate President.
“He has to be practically elected by the newly elected Assembly members.
"So, invariably, I think he was ill-advised, even allowing whoever presented that motion to present it, because what you are simply saying is that you have already been selected and are already sure of returning as a member of the 11th National Assembly or Senate.
“So, is there something they are telling us? Is there a script they are trying to play out? Are they saying that they have already been selected, whether there is an election or not?
“I saw him at the State House, literally begging the President to keep his position. So, what I am saying is that he is a lawyer.
"He should have known that this is a total violation of the very Constitution he swore, as a lawyer, to uphold, and which he also swore to uphold as Senate President.
“It is a total assault on the Constitution, a slap in the face of Nigerians and very undemocratic.”
2027: 'Slap on Nigerians' - Epelle kicks against motion to return Akpabio as Senate President