Senate President says reports suggesting he promised senatorial tickets to lawmakers who lost primaries are false, insists APC leadership is handling grievances through established party channels….
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports claiming he pledged to secure automatic senatorial tickets for lawmakers who failed to emerge victorious in their party primaries, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of his remarks.
In a statement issued through his media office on Friday, Akpabio said he never made such a promise and reaffirmed his commitment to due process and the internal dispute-resolution mechanisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The clarification followed media reports alleging that the Senate President had assured affected senators of guaranteed tickets despite losing out during the party’s primary elections.
Reacting to the reports, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the claims were inaccurate and failed to reflect what was actually discussed during the Senate President’s interaction with his colleagues.
According to Eyiboh, Akpabio merely expressed concern for lawmakers who were dissatisfied with the outcomes of the primaries and informed them that the APC leadership was actively working to address complaints and disputes arising from the exercise.
“The President of the Senate has neither made nor authorised any promise guaranteeing senatorial tickets to individuals affected by the primaries,” the statement said.
He explained that Akpabio’s comments were intended to reassure party members that the process of resolving grievances was ongoing and that the party would release its final list of candidates in accordance with its constitution and electoral guidelines.
The Senate President further stressed that he has no intention of interfering in the affairs of the ruling party or influencing decisions that fall outside the responsibilities of the National Assembly leadership.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process and the established mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes,” the statement added.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the primaries, Akpabio also addressed comments attributed to him regarding calls for the Senate to launch a public probe into the military over recent security challenges facing the country.
While acknowledging that legislative oversight remains a constitutional duty of the National Assembly, he argued that the current security climate requires a more measured approach.
According to the Senate President, Nigeria’s armed forces are presently engaged in multiple operations against terrorism, banditry and other security threats, making this a sensitive period for public investigations that could potentially affect troop morale.
He maintained that collaboration and constructive engagement with security agencies would be more beneficial than public hearings at a time when security forces are confronting complex challenges across various parts of the country.
Akpabio noted that the Senate would continue to perform its oversight responsibilities responsibly while avoiding actions that could distract security personnel from ongoing operations.
He emphasized that safeguarding national security should remain a collective priority and warned against actions that could inadvertently embolden criminal elements or undermine military efforts.
The Senate President concluded by urging journalists and members of the public to verify reports through his office before publication, cautioning against the spread of sensational or inaccurate interpretations of his statements.
