Akpabio raises hope for senators who lost primaries, warns against politicising insecurity

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has raised hopes for senators who failed to secure their parties’ tickets for the 2027 general elections, revealing that the Senate leadership is exploring ways to address the situation. 

Speaking on Tuesday as senators resumed from a four-week recess, Akpabio said the leadership initially expected only a few lawmakers to lose their primaries but was surprised by the large number of casualties recorded across political parties.

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

“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.”

More than 20 senators, particularly from the ruling All Progressives Congress, reportedly lost their re-election bids during the recently concluded primaries. Some were defeated at the polls, while others were disqualified due to provisions in the amended Electoral Act restricting last-minute defections.

Among prominent lawmakers affected are Oyelola Ashiru, Ned Nwoko, Neda Imasuen, Gbenga Daniel, Danjuma Goje and Osita Izunaso.

Akpabio also condemned the recent abduction of pupils, teachers and a school principal in Oyo State, describing the incident as a tragic assault on the nation’s future.

“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children, we imperil our future. We mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers witnesses the very foundation upon which education rests,” he said.

The Senate President expressed confidence that security agencies would secure the victims’ release and urged patience, noting that rescue operations must be carefully handled to avoid endangering the hostages.

He further warned politicians against exploiting insecurity and national tragedies for political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Politicians and aspirants must resist the temptation of using tragedies for cheap publicity. Those who kidnap our children and terrorise our communities do not distinguish between political parties, faiths or ethnic groups,” Akpabio stated.

He called on Nigerians to unite in confronting insecurity and support all lawful measures aimed at protecting schools, communities and citizens across the country.

The Senate subsequently observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims who have lost their lives in recent security-related incidents.

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