Akpabio’s Plan To Support Defeated Lawmakers Unsettles APC Primary Winners

According to Ireporter Online, comments made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, intended to reassure serving senators who lost their party primaries, have triggered growing unease among victorious aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development has reportedly created tension within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as some successful candidates fear that their victories may still be overturned in favour of incumbent senators who failed to secure their tickets, particularly those aligned with the Senate President.

Akpabio, during his welcome address following the Senate’s resumption from a three-week recess, had expressed sympathy for lawmakers who lost out in the primaries, noting that the leadership of the National Assembly was engaging in efforts to address the situation. While he congratulated those who secured nominations across party lines, he also lamented the number of incumbents who were defeated.

He stated: “I congratulate the political parties, one or two of which emanated from these chambers. They recently concluded their primaries and all internal democratic processes. I felicitate particularly with those who have secured their mandates to represent their parties in the next general election.”

“In this Senate, we were promised that we would have very few disappointments. I do know that the Senate Leader and the rest of the leadership are working very hard to address these issues. So, in advance, I say congratulations to all of us across party lines.”

Following the remarks, the Senate President led a closed-door executive session that lasted over two hours, further fueling speculation among political stakeholders.

Sources familiar with the matter also disclosed that Akpabio and other principal officers of the Senate had met with President Bola Tinubu, where discussions were reportedly centred on possible political options for senators who lost their primaries. However, details of the meeting remain undisclosed.

Prior to the recess, there were indications that the Senate leadership had assured lawmakers of automatic return tickets or consensus arrangements in several states. While Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele secured automatic tickets, others, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and some senators from Borno and Lagos States, reportedly secured their nominations through consensus arrangements.

Out of 105 serving senators, about 60 reportedly secured return tickets, while approximately 40 lost out in the primaries. Those affected include several prominent lawmakers such as Lola Ashiru, Jibrin Isah, Gbenga Daniel, Ned Nwoko, Danjuma Goje, Neda Imasuen, and others.

Some senators also lost their seats after participating in governorship primaries in their respective states.

Meanwhile, several APC aspirants who emerged victorious have expressed concern over delays in the issuance of Certificates of Return, alleging that the situation may be linked to attempts to alter the final list of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

A victorious aspirant from Kwara State, who spoke anonymously, said suspicion was growing among those who defeated incumbents at both state and national levels. Another aspirant from Gombe State called for clarification over Akpabio’s remarks, noting that uncertainty surrounding the statement was causing unease.

However, party officials maintained that the delay was in line with due process. Speaking through his aide, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda explained that the party’s guidelines required proper collation of results and the completion of appeal processes before final declarations are made.

Despite this clarification, concerns persist among aspirants who believe the ongoing delay could be used to influence or alter the outcome of the primaries. Some have also questioned why certificates for presidential candidates were issued promptly while others remain pending, warning that such disparities could undermine internal party confidence.