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.
