Senate President Godswill Akpabio has thrown Nigeria’s weight behind Australian House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick’s bid to become the next president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Akpabio made Nigeria’s position known when he received Dick at the National Assembly in Abuja, where the two leaders held talks on the forthcoming IPU election and explored opportunities to deepen parliamentary and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia.
According to a statement posted on Akpabio’s official Facebook page on Monday, the Senate President said Nigeria recognised Dick’s experience within the IPU and his commitment to impartiality, inclusion and parliamentary diplomacy.
He also highlighted Dick’s previous involvement in the global parliamentary body, including his service with the Asia-Pacific Group and participation in IPU delegations.
Akpabio said Nigeria’s support for Dick’s candidature had earlier been conveyed during the Australian Speaker’s visit to Abuja.
He described the IPU as an important platform for parliamentary dialogue, democratic development, peace-building and international cooperation, stressing that Nigeria attached great importance to the organisation.
The Senate President further said he looked forward to engaging fellow African parliamentarians on Dick’s candidature as the continent prepares for the election.
Beyond the leadership contest, Akpabio and Dick discussed ways to expand cooperation between Nigeria and Australia, with the Senate President identifying mining, agriculture, education, renewable energy, technology, security and capacity building as key areas for deeper collaboration.
Akpabio also urged Australian businesses to take advantage of investment opportunities in Nigeria, citing the country’s large population, vast market and abundant natural resources.
He said stronger ties between Abuja and Canberra could create a more robust parliamentary bridge between Africa and the Pacific while opening new avenues for trade, investment and partnerships that would deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Dick is one of three candidates seeking to succeed outgoing IPU President Tulia Ackson of Tanzania.
The election is scheduled for October 9, 2026, during the IPU’s 153rd Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.
The other contenders are Sahiba Gafarova of Azerbaijan and Rojo Edwards Silva of Chile.
The winner will serve a three-year term as president of the global parliamentary organisation, which brings together national parliaments to promote dialogue, cooperation and democratic engagement.
