President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared support for the death penalty for kidnappers, throwing the full weight of the National Assembly behind tougher punishment for violent crimes across the country.
Akpabio made his position known on Thursday while speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as decisive leadership in tackling insecurity, particularly the recent rescue of abducted children by security forces.
The Senate President praised the President’s handling of national security challenges and pledged the Senate’s support for stronger deterrent laws, including capital punishment for kidnapping. He prayed for the safe return of remaining abductees and offered condolences to families of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during rescue operations.
“We condole with families who have lost loved ones, including members of the armed forces who died protecting lives and property. We will stand with their families in this moment of grief,” Akpabio said.
Linking Nigeria’s internal security to developments in the sub-region, Akpabio also applauded Tinubu’s role in supporting democratic stability in Benin Republic. He noted that instability in neighbouring countries poses direct risks to Nigeria, adding that the Senate fully backs efforts to promote regional security.
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The Senate President disclosed that new legislative measures have now placed kidnapping on the same legal footing as terrorism. According to him, kidnappers will face the death sentence once the President assents to the bill passed by the National Assembly. He warned that failure to enforce strict penalties could encourage jailbreaks and further killings.
Turning to party politics, Akpabio welcomed what he described as a growing wave of alignment behind the APC, as he acknowledged the defection of more governors into the ruling party, including the Plateau State governor. He credited the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, with consolidating recent political gains.
He advised newly defected governors to work respectfully with party elders in their states, drawing from his own political experience in Akwa Ibom State. Akpabio also reflected on past political disputes in the South-East, urging greater cooperation and harmony as the APC expands its presence across the South-South and other regions.
Expressing optimism ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Senate President said the APC’s growing strength should translate into unity and electoral success.
“At the end, this should result in bloc votes and victory for the APC come 2027,” he said.
