By News Maker Media in Abuja
Nigeria’s diplomatic lobbying has paid off as Mr. Milton Dick, Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, has been elected President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for the 2026–2029 term.
Mr. Dick, who was in Abuja recently to consult with the Nigerian Parliament and solicit support, had secured the commitment of the Chairman of the National Assembly of Nigeria and Executive Member of the IPU, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio had assured him of Nigeria’s support and pledged to mobilize the Africa Group of the IPU behind him.
Announcing the results in Arusha, Tanzania on Friday, outgoing IPU President, Dr. Tulia Ackson, declared Dick winner after he secured 56 percent of the total votes.
According to Dr. Tulia, Dick polled 182 votes to defeat Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, who got 124 votes (38 percent), and Mr. Rojo Edwards Silva, Senator from Chile, who received 21 votes (6 percent).
“So dear colleagues, let me now announce the winner please. Allow me to announce the winner please. The winner of the election of a President for the term 2026 to 2029 is Mr. Milton Dick, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia,” Dr. Ackson announced.
Prior to his election, Milton Dick had promised inclusive leadership that takes account of countries and parliaments that may have limited influence in international discussions.
