The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it will not grant automatic tickets to its members in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections, putting to rest growing speculation about special privileges for first-term lawmakers and recent defectors.
This position was made clear by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, who described reports suggesting the APC had promised automatic re-nomination as “fake news” and without foundation. “The report is fake and of mischievous origin. It should be disregarded in its entirety,” Morka stated.
The clarification comes amid a wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC. The party currently commands a majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, boasting 68 senators out of 109 and over 200 members in the House of Representatives. The influx of new members had sparked rumours that the ruling party was offering automatic return tickets as an incentive.
Adding fuel to the fire were comments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2025 budget presentation, where he quipped, “You are all re-elected,” drawing applause and a chorus of “On your mandate we shall stand…” from lawmakers. The remark, though intended as humorous, was interpreted by some as a promise of return tickets.
However, party leaders have now sought to temper expectations. While acknowledging the value of legislative experience, APC lawmakers and officials alike noted that automatic endorsements are not supported by the party’s constitution or Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
“There is no automatic ticket anywhere in the world in a democracy; only consensus. The Electoral Act mandates internal democracy through competitive primaries,” said Rep. Ahmadu Usman Jaha (APC, Borno). He emphasized that due process must be followed, warning that shortcuts could lead to legal pitfalls, citing the Zamfara debacle of 2019 as an example.
Benue Rep. Terseer Ugbor stressed that while experience is valuable, political realities vary from one constituency to another. “You can’t force continuity on people if they want something new,” he noted, warning against a blanket policy.
Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the APC must navigate internal party dynamics such as zoning, individual candidate performance, and local political climates. One lawmaker anonymously stated, “The party is supreme, but decisions must reflect grassroots realities.”
Analysts have praised the APC’s position as a move that upholds democratic principles. Political commentator Jackson Lekan Ojo said, “This is a good omen for democracy. It averts internal crisis and keeps the playing field open.”
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Despite the unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu by APC governors and lawmakers as the party’s 2027 flagbearer, the same courtesy will not be extended wholesale to lawmakers. Instead, candidates will be assessed on their merit, popularity, and adherence to party processes.
As the 2027 elections approach, the APC appears committed to balancing loyalty with meritocracy—a test that will not only shape the party’s credibility but also its electoral prospects.
