Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned political parties against denying tickets to veteran legislators. He argued that high turnover deprives the National Assembly of critical governance expertise. He spoke at a forum in Abuja.
Nigeria’s legislature has high turnover rates. In 2019, over 60% of senators lost their seats. In 2023, similar losses occurred. The pattern reflects party primaries, not general elections. Governors and party leaders control tickets. They favour loyalists over experienced lawmakers. The result is a legislature that relearns its functions each cycle. Institutional memory erodes. Bills are reintroduced. Oversight weakens.
Akpabio said parties should retain experienced lawmakers. He said legislative work requires knowledge of procedure and policy. He said voters benefit from continuity. He did not name specific lawmakers. He did not criticise governors directly. His remarks come as primaries approach.
The argument has merit. The National Assembly’s oversight role requires experience. Budget scrutiny requires technical knowledge. A new member needs years to learn. The system produces few veterans.
The counter-argument is accountability. Long-serving lawmakers can become entrenched. They build patronage networks. They lose touch. Voters sometimes want change. Parties respond to local pressures. Dropping veterans can be a democratic decision.
Akpabio’s intervention reflects his own position. He is a Senate President. He needs experienced colleagues. He also needs allies. His warning may serve both purposes.
Winners: Veteran lawmakers, who gain support. Akpabio, who asserts influence. The institution, if expertise is retained. Losers: New aspirants, who face closed doors. Governors, whose control is questioned. Parties, which face pressure. Voters, if incumbents are protected from accountability.
Bottom Line: Akpabio wants veterans retained. His case is institutional. Turnover has costs. Accountability also matters. Parties must balance experience with renewal. That is the hardest job in politics.