Tensions are building within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following comments by Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggesting ongoing efforts to accommodate senators who failed to secure party tickets in the recently concluded primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
The remarks have unsettled some successful aspirants, who fear that internal party influence could still alter the final list of candidates despite declared primary results.
During the Senate’s resumption from a three-week recess, Akpabio congratulated lawmakers who secured nominations across parties but also acknowledged the setback faced by several incumbents.
“I congratulate the political parties, one or two of which emanated from these chambers… I felicitate particularly with those who have secured their mandates to represent their parties in the next general election,” he said.
He added that the Senate leadership was still engaging on how to address concerns arising from the primaries.
“In this Senate, we were promised that we would have very few disappointments. I do know that the Senate Leader and the rest of the leadership are working very hard to address these issues,” he said.
Following the session, lawmakers went into a closed-door meeting that lasted over two hours. Political sources also linked senior Senate figures to a follow-up engagement with the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where discussions reportedly touched on the political fate of some serving senators who lost their tickets.
Before the primaries, expectations had been high among incumbents that consensus arrangements would secure easier returns. However, the final outcomes left several influential lawmakers outside the list of candidates.
Some APC candidates who emerged victorious say the situation has created uncertainty.
A winner from Kwara State said suspicion was growing among those who defeated sitting lawmakers.
“Some of us who defeated incumbent legislators at both the state and national levels are now suspicious of the games being played by the national leadership of the party,” she said.
“We were told that the President is wading in to manage any crisis that might arise after the release of the final results. Since then, we have been worried,” she added.
Another successful aspirant from Gombe State said Akpabio’s remarks lacked clarity.
“The statement is not clear, so we cannot comment on it yet. We are trying to seek clarification before reacting,” he said.
Party officials insist the process remains within established rules.
Speaking through his media aide, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda said the primary process is still being concluded in line with procedure.
“The guidelines issued for the conduct of the primaries were very clear and unambiguous. Results from the various levels were to be collated appropriately, while the formal declaration of winners would only come after the appeal processes have been concluded,” he said.
Despite this assurance, some aspirants argue that the delay in issuing Certificates of Return is deepening suspicion that the final list could still be adjusted.
They also pointed out the contrast between the delay affecting legislative candidates and the swift presentation of a Certificate of Return to Tinubu after the party’s presidential primary.
Analyst Dr. Seun Ajayi urged caution, warning against any attempt to override the outcome of the primaries.
“What the President can do is ensure that those who lost out, especially the serving senators, are given alternative national assignments if he still needs their services, instead of overturning the choice of the people,” he said.
