AKPABIO’S IPU CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS NIGERIA’S ROLE IN GLOBAL PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY

By NaijaParrot October 13, 2026 

 ABUJA, NIGERIA —

Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s diplomatic efforts to secure support for Australia’s parliamentary leader in the race for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) have drawn attention to Nigeria’s growing engagement in international parliamentary affairs. In an opinion article published by National Waves on October 11, political commentator Ken Harries argued that Akpabio’s involvement in the election demonstrated how Nigeria could use parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen its international relationships and influence global discussions.

Akpabio backed Milton Dick, Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, ahead of the election for the IPU presidency. During Dick’s visit to Abuja in September, Akpabio pledged Nigeria’s support for his candidacy, highlighting his experience within the organisation and his commitment to inclusion, impartiality and parliamentary diplomacy. Akpabio also indicated that he would engage fellow African parliamentarians to build support for Dick’s bid. 

Assembly took place in Arusha, Tanzania, from October 4 to 9, 2026. According to Harries’s article, Dick emerged as the organisation’s 32nd president on October 9, winning 56 per cent of the votes in a three-candidate contest. He succeeded Tanzania’s Tulia Ackson, whose three-year tenure had ended. The outcome provided an opportunity to assess the role of parliamentary engagement in building relationships between countries and advancing shared interests. 

 Parliamentary diplomacy involves lawmakers engaging with their counterparts in other countries to promote dialogue, cooperation and peaceful relations. Unlike traditional diplomacy, which is primarily conducted through governments and foreign ministries, parliamentary diplomacy creates additional channels for discussing international challenges, democratic governance, trade, peace and development. Harries argued that Nigeria’s participation in the IPU election demonstrated the importance of building relationships with parliamentary leaders and working through international legislative networks. Such relationships can provide opportunities for Nigerian lawmakers to exchange ideas, raise issues affecting the country and contribute to international discussions on matters of shared concern. 

 The outcome of the IPU election offers Nigeria’s National Assembly an opportunity to strengthen its engagement with lawmakers across Africa and beyond. The IPU brings together national parliaments and provides a platform for dialogue on democracy, peace, human rights and international cooperation. For Nigeria, sustained participation could help deepen legislative partnerships and create opportunities to advance national interests through diplomatic engagement. However, lasting influence depends not only on supporting candidates during elections but also on maintaining relationships, contributing meaningfully to discussions and following through on commitments made during international engagements. 

 The election of Milton Dick as IPU president has renewed attention to Nigeria’s role in parliamentary diplomacy and the potential for the National Assembly to strengthen the country’s international relationships. As highlighted by Ken Harries, Akpabio’s support for Dick’s candidacy illustrates how engagement among parliamentarians can contribute to broader diplomatic objectives. The next challenge for Nigeria is to translate such relationships into sustained cooperation and practical benefits for the country and its citizens. 

 NaijaParrot — Hear It First, Hear It True!