Akpabio: Lawmakers Will Combine 2027 Campaigns With Legislative Duties

Senate President, *Senator Godswill Akpabio*, says members of the National Assembly will balance election campaigns with their constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking ahead of the September 2026 resumption, he assured Nigerians that preparations for the 2027 general elections will not stop legislative work.

*“We Will Work For Four Years”*

Akpabio addressed the concern that politics may distract lawmakers when he spoke to newsmen at the Presidential Wing of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, after an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Akwa Ibom North-West.

According to him:
_“We are elected for four years and we are going to work for four years. Anybody that is walking on the tiny rope must be able to do the balancing act.”_

He explained that parliamentary duties will hold in the mornings, while political activities can be scheduled for afternoons and evenings.

_“We are politicians and campaigns would start very soon. Campaigns can be fixed in the afternoons or evenings while we do our work in the mornings,”_ he said.

_“It is not everybody that will go for campaign at the same time because we belong to different political parties. Nothing will affect legislation. We will continue to make laws to take care of the needs of the people. It has never affected the work of the parliament.”_

*Big Bills Waiting in September 2026*

When the 10th National Assembly resumes in September, lawmakers will face a heavy workload. The major items include:

1. *Constitutional Review* - proposals on devolution of powers, state creation, local government, judicial reforms, and more.
2. *Electoral Reforms* - laws needed ahead of 2027.
3. *State Police* - supporters say it will improve security and response time. Opponents fear governors may misuse it.
4. *Women’s Representation* - the Reserved Seats for Women Bill proposes additional seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
5. *Legislative Backlog* - outstanding bills that need attention.

*The Real Test Ahead*

The challenge for the Senate and House of Representatives is not just sitting while campaigns are on. It is whether they can maintain the quality and consistency of their work while many members are also seeking re-election, governorship tickets, or other positions.

Political parties will also be busy with primaries, alliances, and mobilization. This means plenary sessions, committee meetings, and public hearings may face competition from political engagements.

But Akpabio insists the National Assembly will not shut down.

The constitutional review alone requires serious time, consultation, and approval from state Houses of Assembly. If passed, it could be one of the biggest legacies of the 10th Assembly.

Ironically, the 2027 elections that may distract lawmakers will also depend on the very electoral laws the National Assembly is expected to pass and refine before then.