Press Release
As Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections, President of the Senate, 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 months’ annual recess that 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.
Also read
- Sen Akpabio: I Was in Rome to Pray for Tinubu and Nigeria
- Eid El Maulud: Akpabio Felicitates Muslims, Prays For Peace and Unity
- Akpabio Hails Tinubu Over Establishment of University of Technology In Akwa Ibom
“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.
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.
Akpabio Assures Australia of Nigeria’s Support for IPU Presidency.
In another development, Senator Akpabio has assured the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick that Nigeria will support his bid for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU).
Akpabio gave the assurance on Monday when Hon. Dick visited Abuja to solicit the support of the leadership of Nigerian Parliament ahead of the election for the Presidency of IPU next month.
The Senate President told his guests that “on IPU, which is the reason why you came, I have taken note of your candidature for the Presidency of the IPU and of your experience within the organisation, including your service as Vice President of the Asia-Pacific group and Leadership of several IPU delegation.
“The materials accompanying your visit also emphasise your commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy. I must say that with you as President of IPU, IPU can only wax stronger, IPU can only improve.
“It is important that we complement a woman Secretary-General that we have elected with a man like you who has always shown very serious commitment.
Akpabio said Nigeria attached great importance to IPU as an institution for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace and international cooperation and looked forward to hearing the candidate’s vision for the organisation and his thoughts on strengthening the voice of Africa, the Pacific and developing countries within the IPU..
He also advocated for strengthening of cooperation between Nigeria and Australia particularly in the areas of mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building.
“If you have business men in Australia looking for areas to invest in, this is one country (Nigeria) that no matter what you invest in, the population is there, the market is available and you will make quantum profits.
“I want you to take the message back to the business community in Australia that Nigeria is awaiting their coming and that you have come to open the door and that it will never be closed again,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President said the two countries could also help to build a very strong parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific.
Earlier, the visiting Australian Speaker, had said when he decided to run for the Presidency of IPU, he was told that he has to come to Nigeria to understand Africa.
“I know that Nigeria is the heart of Africa and your leadership is well known throughout the continent. On behalf of the people of Australia, we thank you for what you have done for democracy and we thank you for what you have done for the IPU.
“Mr President, thank you to be honoured for being with you today. I thank you for allowing me to earn your support and l promise you if I’m elected or if I’m not elected, you have a brand new friend in Australia,” Hon. Dick said.
