Akpabio Never Promised APC Tickets to Senators Who Lost Primaries — Aide

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 recent primary elections conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Saturday, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described the reports as misleading and a distortion of the Senate President’s remarks.

According to the statement, Akpabio neither made nor authorised any commitment guaranteeing tickets to senators affected by the outcome of the party primaries.

Eyiboh explained that the Senate President merely expressed sympathy to colleagues who were unsuccessful during the primary elections and informed them that the APC leadership was working to address concerns arising from the exercise.

He noted that Akpabio also reminded the lawmakers that the party’s final list of candidates would be released in line with the APC constitution and established electoral guidelines.

“What the President of the Senate actually said was to empathise with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections,” the statement said.

The aide stressed that Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms established by the APC for resolving disputes. He added that the Senate President would not interfere with the party’s independent processes or make commitments beyond the authority of his office.

The statement also addressed reports suggesting that Akpabio opposed legislative scrutiny of the military over recent security incidents across the country.

According to Eyiboh, while the Senate President recognises legislative oversight as a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, he believes a public investigation of the Armed Forces at this time could negatively affect troop morale and ongoing military operations.

The statement explained that Akpabio favours cooperation and private engagements with security agencies rather than public hearings that could distract personnel involved in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations.

He maintained that supporting the military’s operational effectiveness remains important as security forces continue efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other threats to national security.

The Senate President’s office subsequently urged journalists and members of the public to disregard inaccurate reports and seek clarification through official channels before publishing statements attributed to him.