In the National Assembly elections held on February 25, several long-serving members, some with over 20 years of experience, were re-elected to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The anticipated presidential and National Assembly elections have concluded, and many incumbents who have spent decades in federal parliament have successfully retained their seats. The current ninth National Assembly was inaugurated in June 2019, and the 10th Assembly is expected to be inaugurated in June 2023. Traditionally, senior members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives ascend to key leadership positions. These include the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and their respective deputies, as well as leaders of the majority and minority caucuses. Together, these ten individuals guide the legislative affairs of both chambers.
Due to their extensive experience, these veteran lawmakers have become influential figures, often referred to as the landlords and kingmakers of the National Assembly. Their influence will play a significant role in the selection of leaders and committee chairpersons in the upcoming 10th Assembly. Among those returning is Ahmad Lawan, the incumbent President of the Senate, who has been a member of the National Assembly since 1999. Initially elected to the House, where he served two terms representing the Bade/Jakusko federal constituency in Yobe State, Lawan transitioned to the Senate in 2007, representing Yobe North Senatorial District. He has been re-elected in 2011, 2015, and 2019, and he became President of the 9th Senate in 2019. His recent election was marked by some controversy; after losing the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he faced a legal battle over the party’s senatorial ticket, which was ultimately resolved in his favor by the Supreme Court.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, has also been re-elected for his sixth term. He expressed gratitude to his constituents in Surulere federal constituency I in Lagos State following his victory. Gbajabiamila has been a member of the House since 2003, serving in various leadership roles, including Minority Leader and Majority Leader, before becoming Speaker in 2019. He is notable for being the only lawmaker from the South-West geopolitical zone to have been elected six times to represent his constituency. Throughout his 20-year tenure, he has held several significant positions, making him a unique figure in African legislative history. Additionally, he is a close ally of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, is also returning for his sixth term. Ndume has been in the National Assembly since 2003, initially representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza federal constituency for two terms before being elected to the Senate in 2011. He has faced challenges in his political career, including attempts to become President of the Senate and a removal from his position as Majority Leader due to political differences. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the current Majority Leader of the House, has a long history in parliament, having been a member since the botched Third Republic and returning to represent Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency in the Fourth Republic. He has now secured another term, extending his legislative career until 2027.
Mohammed Monguno, who has represented Marte/Monguno/Nganzai federal constituency in Borno State, has been elected to the Senate, succeeding Senator Abubakar Kyari. Monguno has a long history in the National Assembly, having first been elected in the Third Republic and returning in 2007. He has previously aspired to the speakership but has stepped down in favor of other candidates. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who became a member of the Senate in 2007, has also been re-elected under the All Progressives Grand Alliance after a tumultuous period that included a defection from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Khadijat Bukar Abba-Ibrahim has been serving in the House since 2007, representing Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa federal constituency in Yobe State. She has been re-elected for another term after resigning from her ministerial position to seek re-election. Her political background is notable, as she and her husband have both held positions in the National Assembly. Mukhtar Betara, representing Biu/Bayo/Shani federal constituency in Borno State, has been re-elected for a fifth term and is currently the chair of the House Committee on Appropriation. He has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the next Speaker.
Nicholas Mutu has been in the House since 1999, representing Bomadi/Patani federal constituency in Delta State. He previously chaired the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission and has faced scrutiny regarding his involvement in contracts with the commission. As of the time of reporting, the election results for his constituency were still pending.
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