President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday assured lawmakers who failed to secure their parties’ tickets during recent primary elections that the Senate leadership would explore ways of supporting them, while urging all senators to remain committed to their legislative responsibilities.

Akpabio gave the assurance during plenary as senators resumed from the Eid-el-Kabir recess at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Addressing lawmakers on the outcome of the various party primaries ahead of the forthcoming elections, the Senate President congratulated those who emerged victorious and secured nominations to contest elective offices.

“I congratulate political parties that recently concluded their primaries and internal democratic processes. I felicitate those who have secured the mandate of their parties to seek elective office,” Akpabio said.

He noted that while electoral contests naturally produce winners and losers, democracy remains the ultimate beneficiary of the process.

Sources at the plenary disclosed that Akpabio specifically assured senators who lost their return tickets that the Senate leadership would look into their concerns and provide the necessary support.

The Senate President, however, cautioned lawmakers against allowing political setbacks to affect their commitment to national service, stressing the need to remain focused on their constitutional duties.

Akpabio also condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a grave assault on the nation’s collective conscience.

“We mourn because if we cannot protect our children, we imperil our future. We mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers weakens the very foundations upon which education rests,” he stated.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, as well as a pupil who reportedly lost their lives in connection with the incident.

Extending condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Oyo State, Akpabio called for a united national response to insecurity, warning against attempts to politicise tragic incidents.

“Those who kidnap our children, terrorise our communities and murder innocent citizens do not distinguish between party, faith or ethnicity. Their assault is directed against Nigeria itself. Therefore, our response must be equal to the challenge,” he said.

He urged lawmakers to continue supporting policies and measures aimed at strengthening security, safeguarding schools and communities, and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.

Expressing confidence in the resilience of Nigerians and the country’s democratic institutions, Akpabio called on senators to uphold the dignity of the Senate and remain united in service to the nation.