Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed reports claiming he promised to secure automatic senatorial tickets for lawmakers who lost out in their party primaries, describing the reports as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement issued by his media office, Akpabio clarified that he only expressed sympathy for senators affected by the outcome of the primaries and assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to address concerns arising from the exercise.
According to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President never made any commitment to guarantee tickets for any senator and has not authorised anyone to make such promises on his behalf.
The statement explained that Akpabio merely informed his colleagues that the APC leadership was reviewing issues related to the primaries and that the party would release its final list of candidates in line with its constitution and electoral guidelines.
The Senate President also reaffirmed his commitment to party discipline and due process, stressing that he would not interfere in the internal affairs or decision-making processes of the APC.
On security matters, Akpabio also addressed reports suggesting the Senate should launch a public probe into the military over recent security challenges.
While acknowledging that legislative oversight is part of the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibilities, he argued that this may not be the best time for a public investigation into military operations.
According to him, Nigerian troops are currently battling terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across several fronts, and public hearings could negatively affect morale and distract security personnel from their duties.
Akpabio maintained that cooperation, support, and private engagements with security agencies would be more effective in addressing concerns while allowing the military to remain focused on ongoing operations.
He urged members of the public and media organisations to disregard inaccurate reports and seek clarification from his office whenever necessary.
Source: Office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
