By Iroyin Yoruba Television
ABUJA, Nigeria — October 23, 2026
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerian political parties to consider lawmakers’ experience, competence and contributions to legislative work when deciding whether to grant them tickets to seek re-election.
Akpabio made the appeal during Thursday’s Senate plenary, warning that denying experienced legislators the opportunity to return could deprive the National Assembly of institutional knowledge and weaken its capacity to perform its responsibilities.
He argued that legislative service requires time to develop an understanding of parliamentary procedures, lawmaking and oversight. In his view, parties should weigh those considerations when choosing candidates for future elections rather than treating the allocation of tickets solely as a political reward.
The Senate president cited Francis Faduyile, a medical professor and former president of the Nigerian Medical Association, as an example of a legislator whose professional background and experience could contribute to parliamentary work. Faduyile represents Ondo South, having entered the Senate through a by-election in June.
Akpabio’s remarks come as Nigerian political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. The selection of candidates is often a source of internal party competition, particularly where incumbent officeholders seek another term.
A return ticket allows an incumbent elected representative to contest again under the same party’s platform. However, the decision remains with the relevant political party and is shaped by its nomination rules, internal processes and political considerations.
The debate raises broader questions about continuity and renewal in elected office. Experienced lawmakers may bring institutional knowledge and familiarity with legislation, while competitive nomination processes can also create opportunities for new candidates and fresh perspectives.
Akpabio’s intervention emphasises the value of legislative experience, but the final choices will rest with political parties and their established procedures. The extent to which his appeal influences candidate selection ahead of 2027 remains to be seen.
For voters, the central issue will be whether candidates can demonstrate effective representation, sound lawmaking, accountability and meaningful service to their constituencies.