Akpabio denies promise of tickets to APC senators, warns against public investigation of military

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied reports that he promised automatic senatorial tickets to lawmakers who lost in the recent primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his remarks have been misconstrued.

Akpabio, who spoke through a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said he had neither made nor authorized any such promise, describing the reports as misleading.

During the plenary on Tuesday, the Senate President, welcoming MPs after a three-week break and the Eid-el-Kabir break, expressed concern over the outcome of the party primaries which saw several serving senators lose their tickets.

He had noted that efforts were underway within the party leadership to reduce the political fallout of the operation, a comment that sparked speculation about possible concessions for affected lawmakers.

However, Eyiboh clarified that Akpabio merely empathized with his colleagues and assured them that the party leadership is working to address the grievances arising from the primaries.

The statement reads in part: “What the Senate President actually said was to empathize with senators who were negatively affected by the outcome of their primary elections.

“He assured them that the APC leadership is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party constitution and electoral guidelines.”

No fewer than 14 incumbent senators have reportedly been defeated in APC primaries conducted in various states, increasing tensions within the ruling party ahead of the next general election cycle.

Akpabio reaffirmed his commitment to party discipline and due process, stressing that he will not interfere in the internal affairs of the APC or make commitments beyond his constitutional powers as Senate President.

Meanwhile, Akpabio also weighed calls from some lawmakers for a legislative investigation into recent security incidents involving the military, warning against such a move at this time.

While acknowledging that scrutiny of security agencies remains a constitutional duty of the National Assembly, the Senate President warned that a public investigation could be counterproductive.

“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other national security threats, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus,” he said.

He advocated instead for discreet engagement between lawmakers and security agencies, stressing that closed-door consultations would produce better results without jeopardizing ongoing military operations.

Akpabio’s stance comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in some parts of the country and growing pressure on the National Assembly to exercise tighter control over the armed forces.

This development highlights the delicate balance between accountability and national security as Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgencies, banditry and other violent threats.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE