Akpabio senators lost primaries issue takes centre stage as the Senate President pledges support for lawmakers who failed to secure tickets

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed that the Senate leadership is working to secure alternative opportunities for lawmakers who failed to obtain their parties’ tickets for the 2027 general elections, following a wave of losses suffered by incumbent senators during recent primaries.

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Speaking on Tuesday after the Senate resumed from a four-week recess, Akpabio said the leadership of the upper chamber was surprised by the high number of serving senators who were unable to secure nominations across various political parties.

According to the Senate President, the development affected lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Nigeria Democratic Congress and other political platforms.

Akpabio congratulated senators who successfully secured tickets while also acknowledging the disappointment experienced by those who lost out during the selection process.

“I felicitate, particularly those who have secured their mandates to represent their parties in the next election.

I know that there will always be victories and disappointments, yet above every individual triumph stands a greater triumph, the triumph of democracy itself,” he said.

The Senate President disclosed that efforts were ongoing to ensure that the number of disappointed lawmakers would be minimised.

“And in this Senate, we have promised that we will have very few disappointments, and I do know that the Senate leader and the leadership of the Senate are working very hard towards that, so in advance, I will say congratulations to all of us across party lines,” Akpabio added.

Reports indicate that about 40 senators failed to secure return tickets in their respective party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among those affected are Senator Ned Nwoko, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Senator Danjuma Goje and Senator Rufai Hanga.

Beyond party politics, Akpabio also expressed concern over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a grave assault on the nation’s conscience.

The Senate President assured Nigerians that security agencies and the government were making concerted efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.

He urged political actors to refrain from exploiting security challenges and national tragedies for political gain.

“At moments such as these, there is a temptation to divide, to accuse, and to seek advantage from tragedy. Politicians and aspirants must resist that temptation for such cheap publicity,” he said.

Akpabio further called for collective support for measures aimed at improving security across the country, stressing the need to protect schools, communities and vulnerable citizens from criminal attacks.

“Let us continue to support every lawful and necessary measure to strengthen security, protect our schools, safeguard our communities, and ensure that every bandit faces the full weight of justice,” he added.

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His remarks come amid heightened political activity following the conclusion of party primaries and growing concerns over security challenges in several parts of the country.