Fresh indications have emerged that the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress is putting finishing touches to a strategic plan aimed at retaining experienced lawmakers in the National Assembly ahead of the next electoral cycle, a move believed to have the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative, according to highly placed party sources, is designed to strengthen legislative stability, preserve parliamentary tradition and reduce what insiders described as the “continuous erosion of legislative memory” caused by the frequent turnover of lawmakers after every general election.
Under the emerging arrangement, not fewer than 100 members of the House of Representatives and about 35 Senators considered experienced, loyal and supportive of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda are expected to secure the party’s backing for another term in office.
Among those reportedly pencilled down for consideration is Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, the ranking lawmaker representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State, who may be returning to the House of Representatives for a record fifth term.
Party insiders disclosed that the move followed what they described as a “discreet assessment” conducted within the party and the presidency to identify lawmakers with proven parliamentary experience, political loyalty and legislative value.
A senior source within the APC explained that the Presidency considers continuity in the legislature as critical to the success of governance and effective policy implementation.
“Law making is a serious business that requires legislative experience. The rate at which representatives are changed after every election weakens parliamentary institutions and erodes legislative memory,” the source stated.
“The more experienced lawmakers remain in parliament, the better it is for their constituencies and for national development. Legislature needs experienced hands that understand parliamentary procedures, committee systems and policy formulation.”
The source further revealed that President Tinubu’s political camp believes that retaining tested lawmakers would guarantee a smoother legislative-executive relationship, particularly as preparations gradually begin toward the administration’s second-term agenda.
“To strengthen the parliament and ensure a smooth take-off for the next legislative cycle, many trusted and experienced members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate must be retained,” another senior APC official disclosed.
Political observers say the development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political culture where lawmakers often struggle to secure re-election due to intense local political battles and zoning arrangements.
Analysts also note that countries with strong democratic traditions often benefit from long-serving legislators who accumulate institutional knowledge and contribute to policy consistency over time.
For Akinlade, the reported endorsement signals renewed confidence in his political relevance and legislative contributions. Widely regarded as one of the most experienced politicians from Ogun West Senatorial District, the former House Committee Chairman has maintained strong influence within grassroots politics in Yewa axis and across Ogun State politics.
Supporters of the lawmaker argue that his return would further strengthen representation for Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, especially at a time when experience and political connections are increasingly considered vital in attracting federal projects and influencing national policy decisions.
Although the APC is yet to officially release its strategic list or make formal pronouncements regarding endorsements for future elections, party insiders insist that consultations are ongoing and that the final decision would reflect the broader objective of strengthening governance through legislative continuity.
The unfolding development is already generating conversations within political circles, with many viewing it as part of President Tinubu’s broader efforts to consolidate governance structures and deepen institutional stability across Nigeria’s democratic system.
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