The Office of the President of the Senate has refuted claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured senators who lost the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections of automatic senatorial tickets.
In a statement released on Saturday, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described the reports as false and a distortion of the Senate President’s comments.
Eyiboh explained that Akpabio did not make or authorise any promise guaranteeing tickets for lawmakers affected by the outcome of the party primaries. Instead, he merely expressed sympathy for colleagues who were unsuccessful and informed them that the APC leadership was addressing concerns arising from the exercise.
According to the statement, Akpabio assured the affected senators that the party would release its final list of candidates in line with its constitution and established electoral guidelines.
“The President of the Senate only empathised with senators impacted by the primary elections and stated that the APC leadership is working to resolve issues arising from the process. He also noted that the final list of candidates will be published in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral regulations,” the statement said.
The aide stressed that Akpabio remains committed to party discipline and due process, adding that he would not interfere in the APC’s internal affairs or make commitments beyond the constitutional powers of his office.
The statement also addressed reports suggesting that the Senate President opposed legislative scrutiny of the military over recent security challenges.
While acknowledging that oversight of security agencies is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Eyiboh said Akpabio believes that a public investigation at this time could negatively affect the morale and operational focus of troops engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations.
He noted that the Senate President prefers constructive engagement and private consultations with security agencies rather than public hearings that could distract personnel from ongoing assignments.
Eyiboh urged journalists and members of the public to disregard what he described as sensational and inaccurate reports, advising media organisations to seek clarification from Akpabio’s office before publishing stories relating to his remarks.