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.
