Nigerian Senate President Akpabio Refutes Ticket Promise Claims for APC Primary Losers

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Eseme Eyiboh, issued a statement denying that he promised to secure senatorial tickets for lawmakers who failed to win All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. The statement clarified that Akpabio’s comments were intended to empathise with affected senators and assure them that the APC leadership was addressing grievances, not to guarantee any party nominations.

Akpabio stressed that he would not intervene in the party’s autonomous processes and that the final list of candidates would be released in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines. Reports had suggested that about 40 of the 105 incumbent senators were at risk of losing their seats, prompting speculation that the Senate leadership might intervene to recover tickets for the losers. The clarification aims to curb misinformation and reaffirm the Senate President’s commitment to party discipline and due process.