By NEWSCOUNT Desk
Photo caption:
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu (left); newly elected IPU Assembly President and Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, Milton Dick; and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Dick’s visit to Akpabio to seek Nigeria’s support for his election. Photo: Senate President’s Office.
Milton Dick, Speaker of Australia’s House of Representatives, has been elected President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly for the 2026–2029 term, polling 182 votes in an election held in Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday.
His victory came ahead of Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, who received 124 votes, while Chilean Senator Rojo Edwards Silva polled 21 votes.
The outgoing IPU leader, Dr Tulia Ackson, announced the result, declaring Dick elected to lead the Assembly for the next three years.
Dick had visited Abuja last week to meet Nigeria’s parliamentary leadership and seek support for his candidacy. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an executive member of the IPU, assured him of Nigeria’s backing and promised to seek the support of the IPU Africa Group.
The visit gave Dick an opportunity to make his case to Nigeria’s National Assembly ahead of the vote. Akpabio’s assurance was significant to his campaign as he sought support from African lawmakers.
Before the election, Dick called for inclusive leadership in the IPU, saying countries and parliaments with limited influence in international discussions should also have their voices heard.
The IPU provides a forum for national parliaments to engage on international issues, exchange ideas and promote cooperation among lawmakers.
