The President of the Global Peace Movement International, UK, Dr Mike Uyi, has commended the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Assembly, holding from October 5 to 9, 2026, has brought together parliamentarians from across the world to deliberate on issues bordering on democracy, good governance, inclusive development and the empowerment of communities.
The gathering is being held under the theme, “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”
Uyi, in a statement, described Akpabio’s participation at the global parliamentary gathering as another opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, democratic governance and international cooperation.
He said Akpabio, whom he described as “a federal commissioner serving on the IPU,” had continued to project Nigeria positively on the global stage through his engagements with parliamentary institutions and leaders across the world.
According to him, the Senate President’s participation in the IPU Assembly should be viewed from the broader perspective of Nigeria’s role in global parliamentary affairs rather than through the lens of domestic political disagreements.
Uyi said Akpabio deserved commendation as a distinguished parliamentarian whose international engagements continued to provide opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen relationships and contribute to conversations shaping democracy and governance around the world.
Uyi also recalled that Akpabio’s involvement in the IPU dates back to October 2023, when he led Nigeria’s delegation to the 147th IPU General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, where he was elected into the organisation’s Executive Committee. According to Uyi, the development ended a 59-year absence of Nigeria from the IPU’s key decision-making body, with the last Nigerian representative having served on the Executive Committee in 1964.
He described the return as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s parliamentary diplomacy and said Akpabio’s continued participation at the highest level of the IPU had helped to restore the country’s voice in global parliamentary affairs. The IPU confirms that Akpabio is a member of its Executive Committee, whose responsibilities include overseeing the organisation’s administration and making recommendations to its Governing Council.
He said, “Akpabio remains a global figure bringing glory to Nigeria. His participation in the IPU and his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s place within the organisation are issues that should be recognised and celebrated.
“We should celebrate the opportunities he is creating for Nigeria on the international parliamentary stage rather than allow people with the pull-him-down syndrome to distract from the positive impact of such engagements.”
Uyi noted that the 153rd IPU Assembly was particularly significant because of its focus on inclusive governance and community empowerment, stressing that the issues under consideration had direct implications for democratic development in Nigeria and other countries.
The Assembly is expected to deliberate on inclusive social development, including parliamentary strategies for promoting the rights and empowerment of persons living with disabilities, while lawmakers will also exchange ideas on strengthening governance and creating opportunities for citizens.
The Governing Council of the IPU is also scheduled to elect a new President of the organisation on October 9, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the incumbent, Dr Tulia Ackson of Tanzania.
The Nigerian delegation led by Akpabio includes lawmakers such as Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Osita Ngwu and Titus Zam.
Uyi said Nigeria’s active participation in the Assembly would further reinforce the country’s image as a democratic nation committed to international parliamentary engagement and the promotion of peaceful cooperation.
He urged Nigerians to recognise and support engagements that project the country positively, arguing that Nigeria’s voice in international parliamentary platforms remains important to its democratic image and global influence.
