{
  "id": 14738148,
  "title": "11th Senate: ‘No vacancy’ — Senators endorse Akpabio as Uzodinma chances get slimmer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/11th-senate-no-vacancy-senators-endorse-akpabio-as-uzodinma-chances",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T15:54:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/15/11th-senate-no-vacancy-senators-endorse-akpabio-as-uzodinma-chances-get-slimmer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Following criticism of his comments on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed concerns during plenary on Thursday. Akpabio clarified that the seat of Senate President was not vacant, dismissing claims that it was. During the debate on the bill, Akpabio defended his remarks, stating that debates should not be misconstrued as attacks on any religious group. He emphasized the importance of not allowing televised comments to be taken out of context for political reasons. Akpabio also dismissed allegations that he would disparage Islam, citing his support for Muslim pilgrimages during his time as governor. He urged commentators to focus on issues rather than personal attacks. Following Akpabio's remarks, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno expressed confidence that most lawmakers would return to the Senate after the 2027 general election, asserting that the seat of Senate President was already occupied by Akpabio. Senator Cyril Fasuyi of Ekiti North also endorsed Akpabio's position. The endorsement of Akpabio as Senate President could narrow the chances of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also vying for the position.",
  "summary": "Some senators have thrown their weight behind Godswill Akpabio to return as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly, saying the seat is not vacant. The development could narrow the chances of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also aspiring to the position. The endorsement came after Akpabio spoke during plenary on Thursday, following […] 11th Senate: ‘No vacancy’ — Senators endorse…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "‘No vacancy,’ senators back Akpabio for second term",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/no-vacancy-senators-back-akpabio-for-second-term",
        "published": "2026-10-15T15:12:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}