Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured that the Senate will continue its legislative activities despite the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio made the statement on Tuesday while welcoming lawmakers back to plenary after the Senate’s recess.He said the selection of candidates by political parties would usher in a period of intense political activity, but senators must remain committed to the constitutional responsibilities for which they were elected.

“The people sent us here to serve until the end of our mandate. There is work before us, and we shall remain at our posts in spite of the campaigns,” he said.

Akpabio urged political candidates to make their cases to Nigerians without compromising national unity.

“Let the candidates for the various offices speak, and speak with conviction for the causes they hold dear,” he said.

“Let the contest be vigorous; let it be open; and let every participant remember the country that must live together when the contest is over.”

He cautioned against allowing political disagreements to fuel divisions along religious, regional or communal lines.

“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians,” Akpabio said.

“We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another.”

The Senate President also called on political actors to shun violence, intimidation and misinformation throughout the campaign period.

He urged candidates to present their programmes to voters and respect their right to make their own choices.

“We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake,” he said.

“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded.”

Akpabio said the Senate should set an example by continuing to conduct its affairs responsibly despite the political differences among its members.

He also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians being held captive by armed groups and protect vulnerable communities.

“So long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” he said.

Akpabio said the Senate would consider further measures through legislation, appropriation and oversight to address insecurity.

He also expressed solidarity with victims of flooding across the country, stressing the need for early preparation, protection of affected communities and timely delivery of relief.

“A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended,” he said.