Akpabio Suggests New Path For Senators Unable To Secure Return Tickets

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has extended congratulations to senators who secured their parties’ nominations in the recently concluded primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also suggesting that lawmakers who failed to obtain return tickets may still have reasons to remain optimistic.

Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary session as the Senate resumed activities after a three-week recess taken to allow political parties conduct their primary elections, Akpabio acknowledged that the electoral process naturally produces both winners and losers. However, he expressed confidence that efforts were being made by the Senate leadership to minimize disappointment among members affected by the outcome of the primaries.

According to reports from the Senate chamber, Akpabio commended political parties for completing their internal democratic processes and congratulated lawmakers who emerged as candidates for the next election cycle. He emphasized that while individual victories are significant, the broader success of democracy remains the ultimate achievement.

The Senate President further noted that the leadership of the upper legislative chamber was actively engaging in efforts aimed at ensuring that only a limited number of senators would ultimately be left dissatisfied by the political process, extending his congratulations to lawmakers across party lines.

Following his remarks, Akpabio led senators into a closed-door session that reportedly lasted for nearly two hours.

The recently concluded party primaries produced mixed outcomes for members of the Senate, with more than 60 lawmakers securing nominations to seek re-election, while no fewer than 40 serving senators failed to obtain their parties’ tickets for another term.

Among those who secured return tickets were Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who received automatic nominations. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the senators representing Borno and Lagos States, as well as Adams Oshiomhole and several others, also retained their tickets through consensus arrangements.

However, several prominent lawmakers were unsuccessful in their bids to return to the Senate. Those affected include Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru, Jibrin Isah, Gbenga Daniel, Abbas Aminu Iya, Kaila Samaila Dahuwa, Titus Tartenger Zam, Emmanuel Udende, William Eteng Jonah, Neda Imasuen and Danjuma Goje, among others.

Additional senators who failed to secure nominations include Francis Ezenwa, Musa Garba, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Olajide Ipinsagba, Olubiyi Fadeyi Oluwole, Diket Plang and Banigo Ipalibo Harry, highlighting the intense competition that characterized the primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.