Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports claiming he guaranteed automatic senatorial tickets to APC lawmakers who lost in party primaries, insisting his remarks were misrepresented and that he only expressed sympathy while party leadership works to resolve internal disputes.
By Umar Baba / June 7, 2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Office of the President of the Senate has moved to counter growing political controversy following reports alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio promised automatic senatorial tickets to members of the National Assembly who lost in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a detailed clarification issued through his media office, the Senate President described the reports as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that at no point did he make or authorise any promise relating to electoral tickets.
The clarification comes amid heightened political tension within the APC following disputes arising from party primaries across several states.
“MISREPRESENTED STATEMENTS” — AKPABIO’S OFFICE RESPONDS
Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the reports circulating in sections of the media distorted the Senate President’s actual remarks during a recent interaction with colleagues.
According to the statement, Akpabio merely expressed sympathy toward senators affected by the outcome of their primary elections and reassured them that the APC leadership was addressing grievances arising from the process.
“The President of the Senate has neither made nor authorised any promise of automatic tickets to any senator,” the statement clarified.
Eyiboh further explained that Akpabio’s comments were strictly within the context of internal party discussions and did not amount to electoral commitments.
APC PRIMARIES CONTROVERSY DEEPENS INTERNAL TENSIONS
The clarification comes at a time when internal disputes over party primaries have intensified within the APC, with several lawmakers contesting outcomes they believe were unfair or poorly managed.
Party sources indicate that multiple grievances have been submitted for review, prompting interventions by the party’s leadership structure.
Akpabio reportedly assured affected lawmakers that the party is working within its constitutional framework to address complaints and publish a final list of candidates in due course.
PARTY DISCIPLINE AND INTERNAL PROCESS EMPHASISED
The Senate President reiterated his commitment to party discipline and due process, stressing that he would not interfere in the autonomous structures of the APC.
According to the statement, all disputes arising from the primaries are expected to be resolved through internal party mechanisms in line with the APC constitution and electoral guidelines.
The clarification appears aimed at preventing further political misinterpretation that could deepen divisions within the ruling party.
SECURITY COMMENTS ALSO MISREPRESENTED
The Senate President also addressed a separate report attributed to him concerning a proposed legislative probe of the Nigerian military over recent security incidents.
Akpabio clarified that while the National Assembly retains constitutional oversight powers, he does not support a public inquiry into the Armed Forces at this time.
He argued that ongoing military operations against terrorism and banditry require stability and morale support rather than public legislative confrontations.
“At this critical moment, oversight should be conducted responsibly without undermining national security operations,” the statement noted.
CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE REPORTING
Akpabio urged journalists and media organisations to verify statements directly from his office before publication, warning against sensational interpretations that could mislead the public or inflame political tensions.
He emphasised that misreporting political remarks during sensitive party negotiations risks distorting public understanding of ongoing reconciliation efforts within the APC.
The Senate President’s clarification highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s ruling party following contentious primary elections, while also underscoring the sensitivity surrounding political communication at a time of heightened electoral preparation.
As internal disputes continue to play out within the APC, attention remains on how the party will manage grievances without deepening factional divides ahead of future elections.
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