Akpabio Gives Hope to Senators Who Missed Out on Tickets

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

Akpabio, who won the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Akwa Ibom North-west Senatorial District, said the Senate leadership thought only a few lawmakers would lose their bids. They were shocked by the large number of senators who missed out during the primaries.

He revealed that Senate leaders are looking at ways to help those affected by the outcomes of the primaries, regardless of their party affiliation.

Akpabio made these comments while welcoming senators back from a four-week break. This break was given so they could take part in their party primaries, either to seek re-election or to run for other positions.

He expressed sympathy for his colleagues who lost their tickets. Akpabio congratulated them in advance and said efforts are ongoing to tackle 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, and I do 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.

More than 20 senators, especially from the ruling APC, did not secure tickets for re-election during the senatorial primaries. Some lost in the elections, while others were disqualified during screening.

Some of the disqualified lawmakers include those who recently switched from opposition parties and wanted to run again on the APC platform. They include Benson Agadaga from Bayelsa East, Garba Maidoki from Kebbi South, and Banigo Ipalibo from Rivers West.

The Electoral Act 2026 amendment brought in stricter rules on party membership and candidate nominations, making last-minute defections difficult. The amendment to Section 83 stops politicians from changing parties after they have registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the election cycle.

Many lawmakers who supported this anti-defection rule thought it would mainly target opposition politicians looking for new platforms. The recent primaries showed that some of those who created this law also faced its consequences.

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

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

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

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

Many affected lawmakers have started to protest the results of the primaries.