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Akpabio Reassures Senators After Primary Election Setbacks, Urges Unity Amid Political Tensions and Rising Security Concerns

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio
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Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has moved to calm growing concerns among serving lawmakers who suffered defeats during their respective party primaries, assuring them that efforts are underway to mitigate the political consequences of the recent electoral exercises.

Speaking on Tuesday during the resumption of plenary after a three-week legislative recess and the Eid-el-Kabir holiday, Akpabio acknowledged the mixed fortunes recorded by politicians during the primary elections but expressed optimism that many affected senators would not be left politically stranded.

Addressing his colleagues at the Senate chamber, the Senate President congratulated political parties that had successfully concluded their primaries as well as aspirants who emerged victorious and secured tickets for the forthcoming elections. He, however, recognized that the process inevitably produced both winners and losers.

“I know that there will always be victories and disappointments,” Akpabio stated, noting that electoral contests are an integral part of democratic politics.

In what appeared to be a message of reassurance to senators who failed to secure renomination tickets, Akpabio disclosed that the Senate leadership was actively engaging in efforts aimed at reducing the fallout from the primary election outcomes.

“And in this Senate, we are 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,” he said.

Although he did not provide details on the nature of the interventions being pursued, the remarks have sparked speculation about possible political negotiations and reconciliatory measures being explored within the ruling party and the National Assembly leadership.

Fourteen APC Senators Affected

Akpabio’s comments come against the backdrop of significant losses recorded by several serving senators during the recently concluded primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports indicate that no fewer than fourteen serving APC senators failed to secure their party’s tickets across various states, creating uncertainty about their political futures ahead of the next general elections.

The development has generated concerns within political circles, especially among lawmakers who believe internal party dynamics and power struggles may have influenced the outcomes of the primaries.

One of the most notable reactions came from Ned Nwoko, who recently alleged that senior APC leaders, including former national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, had assured him of an automatic ticket before he defected to the ruling party.

Nwoko’s claims added another dimension to ongoing debates surrounding the transparency and fairness of the primary election process.

Warning Against Political Defections

Despite the setbacks experienced by some lawmakers, Akpabio adopted a light-hearted tone while cautioning senators against abandoning their political parties in frustration.

His remarks come as several lawmakers who lost out during the primaries have already begun seeking alternative political platforms.

Among those who have reportedly left the APC following the primary elections are Shehu Buba and Garba Maidoki.

The Senate President nevertheless emphasized that political competition and electoral outcomes should be viewed as part of the democratic process rather than grounds for division.

According to him, while individual politicians may experience either success or disappointment, democracy ultimately remains the biggest beneficiary whenever credible electoral contests are conducted.

Security Concerns Take Centre Stage

Beyond partisan politics, Akpabio devoted part of his address to pressing national security issues, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Describing the incident as a grave attack on the nation’s collective conscience, he condemned the kidnapping and called for intensified efforts to secure the release of the victims.

The Senate President characterized the abduction as “an assault on our collective humanity,” stressing that attacks on educational institutions threaten not only the safety of citizens but also the future of the nation.

He also warned politicians and political aspirants against exploiting national tragedies for political gain, insisting that security challenges should unite rather than divide Nigerians.

“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,” he cautioned.

Call for Stronger Security Measures

Akpabio further urged members of the National Assembly to continue supporting legislative and policy measures aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.

He emphasized the need for decisive action against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes threatening communities across the country.

“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.

His remarks underscore growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria and highlight the Senate’s intention to prioritize security-related interventions alongside ongoing political developments.

As lawmakers settle back into legislative activities, attention is expected to remain focused on both the political repercussions of the primary elections and the urgent need to address escalating security challenges confronting the nation.

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Senate Reverses Controversial Rule Amendment on Leadership Elections

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4 weeks ago

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May 7, 2026

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Senate in Session
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The Senate has reversed its recent amendment to the Standing Orders that sought to restrict participation in the election of Senate leaders to only senators who had already taken the Oath of Office and Allegiance.

The decision, taken during plenary on Thursday, effectively restores the previous procedure and allows all duly elected senators to participate in the election of presiding officers in the 11th National Assembly.

The motion for the reversal was moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who explained that the amendment approved two days earlier could create constitutional conflicts and unnecessary political tension if allowed to stand.

According to Bamidele, further legislative and constitutional reviews showed that the amendment to Section 2, Subsection 2, and Section 3, Subsection 1 of the Senate Standing Orders might contradict constitutional provisions governing the rights and status of elected lawmakers.

The Senate subsequently adopted the motion and officially reversed the changes.

The plenary session was presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

Before the reversal, the amended rules had stated that only senators-elect who had taken the oath contained in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution would be permitted to participate in Senate proceedings, including voting for the offices of Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

The amendment had generated debate and political tension within the chamber, with some lawmakers expressing concern that the rule could be used to limit participation in future leadership contests, including the race for Senate President in 2027.

During Thursday’s sitting, Adams Oshiomhole raised a point of order to clarify his earlier remarks made during Wednesday’s proceedings. Oshiomhole insisted that lawmakers should not be prevented from expressing their opinions on issues before the Senate.

However, the Deputy Senate President ruled him out of order, stating that the matter had already been resolved following the reversal of the amendment.

Bamidele also reminded senators that concerns regarding Senate procedures should be presented through substantive motions in line with parliamentary rules.

He further cautioned Oshiomhole against what he described as unnecessary “drama” on the Senate floor, referencing the exchanges that occurred during the previous day’s plenary session.

The reversal is expected to ease tensions within the Red Chamber and preserve broader participation in future leadership elections of the Senate.

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Senate Delegation Holds Emergency Meeting with Tinubu Over Urgent National Issues

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1 month ago

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April 23, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a handshake with Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele during the visit.
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A high-level delegation of the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, held an emergency strategic meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, shortly after adjourning plenary.

The meeting, which took place less than two hours after the Senate concluded its session, followed a resolution reached during a closed-door executive sitting of lawmakers earlier in the day.

Leading the delegation was Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He was accompanied by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

Other senators present at the meeting included Danjuma Goje, Abdul Ningi, Adamu Aliero, and Orji Uzor Kalu.

Sources within the National Assembly described the engagement as critical, noting that it was convened to address pressing national concerns requiring immediate attention at the highest level of government.

While details of the deliberations were not made public, officials confirmed that discussions centred on matters of urgent national importance.

The lawmakers and the President were said to have taken far-reaching decisions aimed at safeguarding the overall interest of the country.

The urgency and duration of the meeting underscore the gravity of the issues considered, with indications that key policy actions or government decisions may follow in the coming days.

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Nigeria’s Senate Passes ₦68.3tn 2026 Budget, Boosting Spending on Infrastructure, Health

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2 months ago

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April 1, 2026

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Senate in Session
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Nigeria’s Senate has approved a ₦68.3 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a significant increase from the ₦58.47 trillion initially proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The upward revision of over ₦9 trillion follows a supplementary request by the presidency aimed at accommodating legacy commitments, particularly in the transportation and health sectors, alongside new provisions including additional funding for the judiciary.

The approval came after lawmakers adopted the joint report on the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented by the National Assembly, signaling legislative backing for an expanded fiscal framework amid ongoing economic pressures.

Spending Breakdown

According to details of the approved budget:

₦4.799 trillion is allocated to statutory transfers

₦15.809 trillion for debt servicing

₦15.427 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure

₦32.287 trillion for capital expenditure

The capital component remains the largest share, underscoring the government’s focus on infrastructure development and long-term economic growth.

Additional Allocations

Of the increased spending:

₦5.71 trillion is designated for the regularisation of outstanding capital obligations carried over from the 2025 budget

₦2 trillion is earmarked for previously omitted projects across the country

Sector-specific allocations include:

₦482.758 billion for health

₦478.600 billion for the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI)

₦268 billion for the judiciary, including ₦36 billion for the Supreme Court and ₦98.513 million for the Court of Appeal

In addition, ₦8.960 billion has been approved for feasibility studies on major road projects, notably the Calabar–Maiduguri and Maiduguri–Sokoto corridors.

Extension of 2025 Capital Budget

In a related move, the Senate approved an extension of the capital component of the 2025 budget, shifting its implementation deadline from March 31 to June 30, 2026. The extension is intended to allow for the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and improve budget execution.

Economic Context

The expanded 2026 budget reflects the administration’s attempt to balance fiscal consolidation with growth-focused spending, even as debt servicing continues to account for a substantial portion of government expenditure. Analysts say the success of the budget will depend largely on revenue performance and effective implementation.

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