President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has sought to calm concerns among senators who failed to secure their parties’ tickets in the recently concluded primary elections, suggesting that efforts are underway to help some of them return to the Senate.
Speaking on Thursday as lawmakers resumed plenary after a three-week break to participate in party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, Akpabio acknowledged the disappointment among those who lost out but urged them to see the outcome as part of the democratic process.
The Senate President noted that while several members of the leadership emerged from the primaries unopposed, many lawmakers were unsuccessful in their bids to secure tickets.
According to him, the larger victory lies in the survival of democracy rather than individual political fortunes.
“I know that there will always be victories and disappointments, yet above every individual triumph stands a greater triumph, the triumph of democracy itself.”
At least 40 serving senators reportedly failed to secure their parties’ nominations during the primaries conducted across different political parties, while only about 60 lawmakers emerged successful.
Akpabio congratulated those who won their party tickets and commended political parties for conducting the exercises. He also appealed to senators who suffered setbacks to remain committed to the democratic process despite their disappointment.
The Senate President further disclosed that the leadership of the upper chamber had been assured that the number of lawmakers losing tickets would not be as high as eventually recorded.
In a move aimed at reassuring affected senators, Akpabio said efforts were ongoing to reduce the impact of the losses and explore possible solutions for some of those affected.
He specifically pointed to the role being played by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele in engaging relevant stakeholders.
According to Akpabio, Bamidele is working to reduce the level of casualties from the primaries and ensure that some senators who lost out are able to secure their parties’ tickets.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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