Akpabio Gives Hope to Senators Who Lost Primaries

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday brought some hope to senators who could not get their party tickets during the recent primaries for the 2027 general elections.

Mr Akpabio, who got the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Akwa Ibom North-west Senatorial District through affirmation, said the Senate leadership expected only a few lawmakers to lose their bids. He was surprised by the large number of senators who did not make it in the primaries.

He revealed that the Senate leadership is looking for ways to help the affected lawmakers from all parties after the primaries.

The Senate President made these comments while welcoming senators back from a four-week break. The break was to allow lawmakers to participate in their party primaries, either to seek re-election or to run for other positions.

Mr Akpabio sympathized with those who lost their tickets, congratulating them in advance. He assured them that efforts are ongoing to address the situation.

"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. I 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.

Over 20 senators, especially from the ruling APC, failed to secure their tickets for re-election during the primaries. Some were defeated in the polls while others were disqualified during the screening.

Among those disqualified were lawmakers who recently switched from opposition parties and sought return tickets on the APC platform. They include Benson Agadaga, who represents Bayelsa East; Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South; and Banigo Ipalibo, who represents Rivers West.

The Electoral Act 2026 amendment brought in stricter rules on party membership and candidate nominations. It stops last-minute defections. The change to Section 83 says politicians cannot switch parties after membership lists are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the same election.

Many lawmakers who supported the anti-defection rule thought it would mostly affect opposition politicians seeking new platforms. But the results of the primaries showed that some of those who made the rule have also faced its consequences.

One of them is Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), who lost the ticket to a former commissioner of the Federal Character Commission, Muheebah Dankaka.

Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North) lost the APC ticket to a former governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa, by a wide margin. Neda Imasuen of Edo South lost to former House of Representatives member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, while Isah Jibrin from Kogi East was defeated by Erico Ameh.

In Osun State, Olubiyi Fadeyi lost the Osun Central Senatorial District ticket to Kunle Adegoke in a close contest. In Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel lost to Governor Dapo Abiodun, while Danjuma Goje lost the Gombe Central ticket to retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed. In Imo West, Governor Hope Uzodimma won the APC senatorial primary, replacing incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso.

A few hours before the APC primary in Bauchi State, Buba Shehu, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, left the party and joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Some of the affected lawmakers have protested against the results of the primaries.