Senate in Crisis as 40 Lawmakers Lose Tickets; Akpabio Steps In to Calm Tensions

The Senate is facing internal political tension following widespread losses suffered by serving lawmakers in their party primaries, with about 40 senators reportedly unable to secure tickets for re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday moved to calm rising concerns among affected lawmakers as he welcomed senators back from a three-week recess.

The break was largely used by members to participate in their respective party primaries across the country, which produced significant upsets within the upper chamber.

While members of the Senate leadership and a number of lawmakers secured their tickets unopposed, about 60 serving senators were successful overall, leaving a substantial number—estimated at 40—without party nominations.

Akpabio, in his remarks, congratulated successful senators and urged those who lost out to remain committed to the democratic process despite their setbacks.

“I know that there will always be victories and disappointments, yet above every individual triumph stands a greater triumph, the triumph of democracy itself,” he said.

However, indications from the Senate leadership suggest efforts are underway to manage the political fallout and possibly secure alternative pathways for some of the affected lawmakers.

Akpabio also noted that Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele is engaging stakeholders to “reduce the level of casualties” and explore options that could help some senators regain party tickets.

The development highlights growing uncertainty within the upper legislative chamber as lawmakers navigate internal party contests ahead of the next general election cycle.