Akpabio: We’re pushing for return tickets of some senators who lost primaries

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the red chamber is working towards securing tickets for some of the senators who lost the bid to contest the 2027 general elections. Daily Trust reports that about 40 senators across the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), among other lost the primaries. Speaking after the 4-week recess of the Senate Akpabio congratulated those who lost the primaries in anticipation of the desired results. He said the Senate leadership was shocked by the high number of losses suffered by incumbent lawmakers. “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.” “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,” he said. Senators Ned Nwoko, Gbenga Daniel, Danjuma Goje, Rufai Hanga, are among the lawmakers who lost return tickets. Akpabio expressed concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, assuring that the government was doing its best to ensure their return. Describing the incident as an assault on “our collective humanity”, Akpabio warned politicians against exploiting national tragedies for partisan advantage. “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.” “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 said.