Akpabio Urges Governors to Choose Competent Successors, Not Loyalists

 Senate President Godswill Akpabio advised Nigerian governors on May 29, 2025, to prioritize competence over loyalty when selecting successors, warning that choosing candidates based on subservience could undermine governance.

Speaking at a leadership summit in Abuja organized by the Southern Governors’ Forum, Akpabio emphasized that successors should be visionary leaders capable of sustaining development, not those who merely “kneel” for approval. His remarks come as 2027 elections approach, with several governors nearing the end of their two-term limits.

Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom governor, drew from his experience, noting that his choice of a capable successor in 2015 strengthened his state’s progress. He cautioned against “anointing” candidates lacking public support, citing risks of political instability and poor performance. The Senate President urged governors to engage stakeholders, including traditional rulers and party leaders, to ensure credible transitions. He also advocated for free and fair primaries within parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reflect voters’ will.

The advice has sparked reactions, with some governors, like Kaduna’s Uba Sani, endorsing Akpabio’s call for merit-based selections, while others remain silent amid ongoing succession battles. Political analysts view the statement as a critique of godfatherism, a pervasive issue in states like Rivers and Edo. Akpabio’s role as Senate President amplifies his influence, positioning him as a key voice in shaping Nigeria’s political future. The summit also addressed insecurity and economic challenges, highlighting governors’ critical role in national stability.