Campaigns won’t halt legislative duties — Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that preparations and campaigns for the 2027 general elections will not interfere with the legislative duties of the National Assembly.

Akpabio said lawmakers would continue to perform their constitutional responsibilities despite the growing political consultations and mobilisation ahead of the elections.

He spoke with journalists on Saturday at the Presidential Wing of the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

His Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, disclosed this in a statement.

Akpabio’s comments came amid increasing political activities across the country, including recent endorsements of President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for the 2027 elections.

The Senate President said lawmakers were elected for four-year terms and were expected to remain focused on their legislative responsibilities throughout their tenure.

“We are elected for four years, and we are going to work for four years. Anybody who is walking on the tiny rope must be able to do the balancing act,” he said.

According to him, lawmakers can schedule campaign activities around their legislative responsibilities, noting that political engagements could take place outside parliamentary working hours.

“Campaigns can be fixed in the afternoons or evenings while we do our work in the mornings. It is not a problem at all,” Akpabio said.

He also dismissed concerns that lawmakers belonging to different political parties could simultaneously abandon legislative duties for campaigns.

“It is not everybody that will go for campaign at the same time because we belong to different political parties. Nothing will affect legislation,” he said.

Akpabio said the National Assembly would continue to pass laws addressing the needs of Nigerians while lawmakers participate in political activities.

The assurance comes as political parties and prospective candidates intensify consultations, endorsements and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The National Assembly is expected to continue with its legislative, oversight and representative functions while lawmakers seeking re-election or other political offices participate in electioneering activities.