The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has sought to reassure senators affected by the outcome of their parties’ primary elections, revealing that efforts are ongoing to ensure that serving lawmakers experience as few political disappointments as possible during the current nomination process.
Speaking on Tuesday as the Senate resumed plenary after a three-week recess and the Sallah holiday, Akpabio acknowledged the mixed emotions among lawmakers following the conclusion of party primaries across the country. While some senators returned in high spirits after securing their party tickets for the 2027 general elections, others were left grappling with defeats, controversies, and uncertainty over their political futures.
Addressing his colleagues, Akpabio congratulated political parties that had successfully conducted their primaries and commended candidates who emerged victorious. However, he also recognized that the process had produced both winners and losers.
According to him, the Senate leadership is actively working to ensure that lawmakers face minimal setbacks in the ongoing political process.
“I know that there will always be victories and disappointments,” Akpabio told senators. “In this Senate, we are promised that we will have very few disappointments. I know that the Senate Leader and the leadership of the Senate are working very hard towards that.”
His remarks immediately attracted attention within the chamber, as they appeared to suggest that discussions and interventions may be taking place behind the scenes to assist lawmakers who lost their party tickets or are facing challenges arising from disputed primaries.
Although the Senate President did not explain how such efforts would be achieved, his comments fueled speculation about possible political reconciliations, negotiations, appointments, substitutions, defections, or other arrangements that could help affected senators remain politically relevant ahead of the next election cycle.
Akpabio also jokingly cautioned a senator against joining another political party, a remark that reflected growing concerns about possible defections resulting from contentious primary contests in several states.
The atmosphere in the Senate chamber reflected the varied fortunes of lawmakers. Senators who secured their party nominations were visibly celebrating and exchanging jokes with colleagues, while those who failed to obtain tickets were seen discussing their political future and options.
Meanwhile, the Kogi East APC Elites Forum has appealed to Akpabio and House of Representatives member James Faleke to allow stakeholders in Kogi State, particularly those from Kogi East Senatorial District, to determine their political direction without outside influence.
The group warned that attempts to interfere with the outcome of primary elections in the state could negatively affect the fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Dr. Ben Ogwuche said party members should be allowed to resolve issues relating to the party’s senatorial candidacy through democratic and transparent processes. The forum also endorsed Joe Erico, describing him as the preferred candidate of many stakeholders in the district.
The group further urged the APC national leadership to uphold fairness, justice, and transparency while calling on party members across Kogi East to remain united and committed to the party.
Despite the political discussions dominating proceedings, the mood in the Senate changed significantly when Akpabio raised concerns over the kidnapping of 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers, and a two-year-old child from a school in Oyo State on May 15.
The incident has continued to generate national outrage, particularly following reports that one of the victims, teacher Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the kidnappers.
Senators observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the government of Oyo State, and the families affected by the tragedy.
Akpabio called on Nigerians to unite against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, describing the perpetrators as common enemies of the nation.
He also assured Nigerians that the Senate would soon conclude its planned security summit and forward its recommendations to the executive arm of government as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s response to insecurity.
