2027: Akpabio Offers ‘Hope’ To Lawmakers Who Lost Re-election Tickets

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, offered hope for Senators who failed to secure their parties’ reelection tickets in the recently concluded primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, assuring them that the Senate leadership was exploring ways to support those affected.

Akpabio, who secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) reelection ticket for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District through affirmation, said the Senate leadership had anticipated only a few lawmakers would lose their bids but was surprised by the high number of “casualties” recorded during the primaries.

He disclosed that discussions were ongoing to address some of the outcomes of the primaries in favour of affected lawmakers across party lines.

He, however, did not disclose how the magic would be carried out.

The Senate President made the remarks while welcoming Senators back from a four-week recess granted to enable lawmakers participate in their respective party primary election exercises, either to seek re-election or contest other elective offices.

Expressing sympathy with colleagues who lost the battle to contest 2027 elections, Akpabio urged them not to lose hope, assuring them that efforts were underway 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,” he said.

“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.”

LEADERSHIP reports that more than 20 Senators, particularly members of the ruling APC, failed to secure tickets for re-election during the senatorial primaries. While some were defeated at the polls, others were disqualified during the screening process.

Among those disqualified were lawmakers who recently defected from opposition parties and sought return tickets on the APC platform. They included Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) and Banigo Ipalibo (Rivers West).

The outcome of the primaries has also highlighted the impact of the Electoral Act 2026 amendment, which introduced stricter regulations on party membership and candidate nominations. The amendment to Section 83 bars politicians from changing parties after membership registers have been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the same election cycle.

Ironically, some lawmakers who supported the anti-defection provision were among those affected by the new rules.

Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South) lost the party’s ticket to former Federal Character Commission Commissioner Muheebah Dankaka.

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

In Osun State, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi lost the Osun Central ticket to Kunle Adegoke. In Ogun East, former governor and senator Gbenga Daniel lost to Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun, while former governor Danjuma Goje lost the Gombe Central ticket to retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ahmed.

In Imo West, Governor Hope Uzodimma secured the APC senatorial ticket, displacing incumbent Senator Osita Izunaso.

Meanwhile, Senator Buba Shehu of Bauchi South resigned from the APC and joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) just hours before the party’s primary election in the state. Several affected lawmakers have since protested the outcomes of the primaries.