Nigeria

President of the Senate

Current holderGodswill Akpabio^2,3,4

In office since 13 June 2023. Checked 28 October 2026.

How the office holder is chosen

Under section 50 of the 1999 Constitution, the President and Deputy President of the Senate, and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, are elected by the members of each House from among themselves.¹

Term

Under section 50(2), the presiding officer vacates office on ceasing to be a member of the House (other than by dissolution), when the House first sits after a dissolution, or on removal by a resolution supported by two thirds of members. Under section 56(1), the presiding officer has a casting vote to avoid an equality of votes but otherwise does not vote.¹

Recent holders

Name	From	To
Godswill Akpabio^3,4,2	13 June 2023	Present

Notable facts

On 13 June 2023 Akpabio was elected with 63 votes, defeating Abdulaziz Yari, according to ThisDay and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre.^3,4

Sources

Constitute Project, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (rev. 2011) (Constitute Project)
Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, 'No Vacancy': Senators Endorse Akpabio for Senate Presidency in 11th National Assembly (15 October 2026)
ThisDay, Breaking: Akpabio Elected Senate President (13 June 2023)
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Speaker, President emerge as 10th NASS inaugurated (14 June 2023)