Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed optimism for senators who failed to secure their party tickets in the recently concluded primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, suggesting that efforts are underway to address their political setbacks.
Akpabio, who secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District through affirmation, noted that while the Senate leadership had expected only a few lawmakers to lose out, the number of affected senators was higher than anticipated.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while welcoming lawmakers back from a four-week recess, which allowed them to participate in party primaries for various elective positions.
The Senate President sympathized with colleagues who lost their tickets but congratulated those who emerged successful, assuring that the leadership was engaging in discussions aimed at mitigating the political impact on affected senators across party lines.
According to him, democracy inevitably produces both winners and losers, but efforts were being made within the Senate leadership to reduce the number of disappointed lawmakers.
Reports indicate that over 20 senators, particularly from the ruling APC, lost their bids to return to the Senate. Some were defeated in primaries, while others were disqualified during screening processes.
Several lawmakers were affected by the Electoral Act 2026 amendment, which tightened rules on party switching and candidate nomination, limiting last-minute defections. The provision has impacted even lawmakers who supported the reform.
Notable losses included senior legislators such as Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, who was defeated in Kwara South, as well as other senators from Delta, Edo, Osun, Ogun, Gombe, and Imo States. In Bauchi State, Senator Buba Shehu resigned from the APC shortly before the party’s primary and joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Akpabio also used the session to condemn the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a tragic attack on national humanity and a reminder of the urgency of improving security across the country.
He expressed confidence that security agencies would secure the release of the victims and reunite them with their families, while commending ongoing rescue efforts by relevant authorities.
The Senate President further cautioned political actors against exploiting insecurity for political advantage, stressing that violent attacks affect all Nigerians regardless of political, ethnic, or religious differences.
He added that the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of insecurity, particularly those affected by the Oyo abduction incident.
