Akpabio Ranked 11th Best Senator In World

Diaspora-based Nigerian organisations have commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing his emergence as one of the prominent figures in Western democratic parliamentary practice as evidence of his extensive political experience and leadership capacity.

In a joint statement, the groups said Akpabio’s political journey from Governor of Akwa Ibom State to the National Assembly leadership and his growing involvement in international parliamentary affairs reflected resilience, institutional knowledge and an ability to manage complex political responsibilities.

The organisations said Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate had placed him at the centre of some of the most demanding political negotiations in Nigeria, where the presiding officer must constantly balance party interests, regional considerations, executive-legislative relations and the independence of the legislature.

They argued that one of Akpabio’s notable strengths was his ability to manage political tensions through dialogue, experience and humour.

“Akpabio has mastered the difficult art of combining authority with approachability,” the groups said, noting that his jovial personality should not be interpreted as a lack of seriousness.

According to them, his ability to inject humour into tense situations has helped prevent disagreements from degenerating into personal confrontations, describing the quality as an indication of emotional intelligence and political maturity.

The groups also highlighted Akpabio’s international parliamentary engagements, particularly his membership of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where his current mandate runs until October 2027.

They said his involvement in the IPU provides Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its parliamentary diplomacy and promote the country’s interests within the global legislative community.

The organisations recalled that Akpabio had led Nigeria’s delegation to IPU engagements, including the 152nd IPU Assembly, describing such responsibilities as evidence of the expanding international dimension of his role as Senate President.

On the domestic front, the groups said Akpabio’s major responsibility remained the effective administration of the National Assembly and the management of competing interests within the Senate.

They maintained that his performance should not be assessed solely through the political controversies that often accompany high public office, but also by his ability to keep the legislative institution functional while navigating competing political interests.

The organisations described Akpabio’s political career as a progression through executive and legislative leadership, noting his experience as governor, senator and now President of the Senate.

They further praised his interpersonal relationships, generosity and willingness to support others, which they said had enabled him to establish broad political networks across different constituencies.

While acknowledging that such qualities could attract both praise and criticism, the groups argued that the ability to build bridges and bring people together remained an important component of political leadership.

They urged Nigerians to evaluate Akpabio from the perspective of institution-building, parliamentary diplomacy and leadership capacity rather than through partisan considerations alone.

According to them, Nigeria requires legislative leaders capable of managing pressure, negotiating competing interests, communicating effectively and maintaining a human connection with those they lead.

The organisations said Akpabio’s leadership style combines firmness with flexibility, political experience with interpersonal skills, and legislative responsibilities with international parliamentary engagement.

They concluded that his growing role in Nigeria’s democratic development deserved serious consideration based on his experience, institutional understanding, maturity and capacity to navigate the complexities of parliamentary leadership.

The statement was signed by Dr. Imatitikwa Igbinoba, Secretary General, Nigerian Heritage and Development Agenda; Dr. Hauwa Ladi Usman, Head, Sustained Policy and Reform Coalition; Dr. Chidebere Chiamaka Ifesinachi, Chairperson, Nigerian Interest Protection Forum; and Dr. Beatrice Etim-Onyemachi, Secretary General, Diaspora Accountability Network Nigeria.