President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has reassured senators who failed to secure their parties’ tickets for the 2027 general elections that all hope is not lost, revealing that Senate leadership is exploring ways to address some of the outcomes of the recently concluded primaries.
Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday as senators resumed plenary after a four-week recess that allowed lawmakers participate in their respective party primaries across the country.
The Senate President, who secured the APC ticket for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District through affirmation, acknowledged that the primaries produced unexpected results, with a significant number of lawmakers unable to retain their tickets.
According to him, the Senate leadership had anticipated only a few casualties from the exercise but was surprised by the scale of losses recorded across political parties.
While congratulating lawmakers who successfully secured nominations, Akpabio also extended words of encouragement to colleagues who suffered setbacks, expressing optimism that ongoing efforts could provide relief for some of those affected.
He stressed that beyond individual victories and disappointments, the democratic process itself remains the ultimate winner.
“I congratulate those who secured their mandates and also encourage those who did not. Democracy will always produce winners and losers, but we remain committed to ensuring that there are as few disappointments as possible,” he said.
More than 20 senators, particularly from the ruling All Progressives Congress, failed to secure re-election tickets during the primaries. While some were defeated at the polls, others were screened out before the contests.
Among those affected were lawmakers who recently defected from opposition parties and sought APC tickets, including Benson Agadaga, Garba Maidoki, and Banigo Ipalibo.
The outcome of the primaries has also highlighted the impact of the amended Electoral Act, which introduced stricter regulations on party membership and candidate nominations, limiting last-minute defections ahead of elections.
Several prominent lawmakers lost their bids, including Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, who was defeated in Kwara South, and Ned Nwoko, who lost the Delta North APC ticket to former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Others affected include Neda Imasuen, Isah Jibrin, Olubiyi Fadeyi, Gbenga Daniel, Danjuma Goje, and Osita Izunaso, all of whom lost their respective senatorial tickets during the party primaries.
Meanwhile, Akpabio used the opportunity to condemn the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a tragedy that has shaken the nation.
The Senate President said the kidnapping of schoolchildren and educators represents not just an attack on innocent citizens but an assault on Nigeria’s collective future.
He noted that a country that cannot guarantee the safety of its children and teachers risks undermining the very foundation of its educational system.
Akpabio expressed confidence that security agencies would eventually secure the release of the victims, commending ongoing rescue efforts and urging patience as authorities work to ensure the hostages are returned safely.
He also cautioned politicians against exploiting insecurity and national tragedies for political gain, warning that issues affecting national security should not become tools for partisan campaigns.
According to him, criminals and kidnappers do not discriminate based on political affiliation, religion or ethnicity, making it imperative for Nigerians to unite against insecurity.
The Senate President called on political leaders and citizens alike to support efforts aimed at strengthening security across the country and ensuring that those responsible for acts of violence face justice.
He further urged lawmakers to remain committed to national unity and collective action in addressing the country’s security challenges, expressing confidence that Nigeria can overcome its current difficulties through cooperation and resilience.
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