The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed that it will not prevent any party member from contesting for its presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections, even as it openly supports President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
While senior party figures have expressed strong backing for the President’s re-election, the APC maintains that the primary process will remain open and democratic.
In an interview yesterday, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Chidi Duru, underscored the importance of internal democracy as a foundational principle of the APC.
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He stated that although a consensus candidate is likely to emerge reflecting the party’s democratic character no qualified aspirant would be barred from running.
“It is not merely likely; we will have a consensus. That is an indication of the APC being a democratic party. But should any member wish to contest, they are welcome to do so,” Duru said.
He explained that while consensus arrangements are a common feature in Nigerian politics, the party cannot legitimately exclude members who wish to test their popularity through the primaries.
Duru highlighted the natural advantage enjoyed by incumbents, particularly when their performance in office has satisfied party members and the wider electorate.
He described this as the “right of first refusal,” a widely accepted political convention whereby a serving leader who has delivered on their mandate is given priority to seek re-election.
“If a candidate performs well, the party is more likely to present them again to the electorate. But if they fail to meet expectations, the party risks losing the election by retaining them,” he noted.
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Duru extended the principle beyond the presidency, arguing that governors and other elected officials who perform creditably should also be allowed to seek a second term.
Addressing fears of internal conflict, he pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of elected officials, including the president, to run for re-election.
The APC is set to address broader party matters, including preparations for the 2027 elections, at its forthcoming national convention in Abuja, scheduled for March 27 to March 28, 2026.
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