2027: Akpabio Makes U-turn, Denies Promising Senators Automatic Tickets After APC Primary Losses

The Office of the President of the Senate has dismissed reports alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio promised to secure senatorial tickets for lawmakers who lost in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the office described the reports as misleading and inaccurate.

According to the statement, Akpabio neither made nor authorised any individual to make such assurances on his behalf.

“The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries,” the statement said.

It added that the Senate President did not, at any point, issue such a commitment directly or indirectly.

“For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise,” it stated.

The office explained that during an interaction with senators affected by the outcome of the primaries, Akpabio only expressed sympathy over their losses and assured them that the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership was working to address issues arising from the exercise.

It further noted that he informed the lawmakers that the party would release its final list of candidates in accordance with its constitution and electoral guidelines.

Reaffirming his position, the statement stressed that Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and internal conflict-resolution mechanisms within the APC.

“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership,” the statement added.

On another issue, the Senate President’s office also addressed reports linking him to calls for a public probe of the military over recent security challenges in the country.

While acknowledging that legislative oversight is a constitutional duty of the National Assembly, it stated that Akpabio does not support a public investigation of the Armed Forces at this time.

It argued that such a move could undermine troop morale and distract personnel engaged in ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to national security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus,” the statement said.

The Senate President instead advocated for discreet, collaborative engagements with security agencies as a more effective approach to addressing security concerns.

He also urged media organisations to verify information from his office before publication, cautioning against what he described as sensational and inaccurate reports.