APC REJECTS AUTOMATIC TICKETS FOR 2027 ELECTIONS, INSISTS ON PRIMARIES AND CONSENSUS

APC REJECTS AUTOMATIC TICKETS FOR 2027 ELECTIONS, INSISTS ON PRIMARIES AND CONSENSUS The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ruled out the possibility of automatic tickets for the 2027 general elections, insisting that all aspirants must emerge through party primaries or a consensus process in line with electoral laws and internal party guidelines. According to party sources and recent clarifications from APC leadership, the ruling party has maintained that no category of aspirants including serving lawmakers, governors, or defectors will be given guaranteed tickets ahead of the 2027 polls. The party emphasized that candidate selection will strictly follow democratic procedures, either through competitive primaries or consensus arrangements that involve consultation with stakeholders at ward, local government, state, and national levels. The position comes amid ongoing internal debates within the party over whether incumbents and key political figures who contributed to the party’s electoral success should be rewarded with automatic nominations. However, APC leadership has consistently rejected such proposals, arguing that they could undermine internal democracy, weaken party cohesion, and disenfranchise other aspirants seeking elective positions.

Party officials reiterated that while consensus remains a lawful option under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, it must be transparent, inclusive, and not imposed by any individual or faction within the party structure. The debate over automatic tickets has intensified ahead of the 2027 elections, especially following mass defections of politicians from opposition parties into the APC. Some stakeholders had pushed for guaranteed return tickets for serving National Assembly members and governors, citing continuity and loyalty.

However, the party has faced resistance from long-standing members who argue that such arrangements would favour political elites and weaken grassroots participation in primaries.

In previous election cycles, similar tensions have emerged within the APC over zoning, consensus candidacies, and perceived “anointed candidates,” often leading to internal disputes before primaries.

• APC rules out automatic tickets for 2027 elections.
• All aspirants must pass through primaries or consensus.
• Party insists on compliance with internal democracy rules.
• Concerns persist over fairness and internal competition.
• Position aimed at preventing imposition of candidates.

Political analysts say the decision is aimed at preserving the party’s credibility as it prepares for a highly competitive 2027 election cycle. While it may increase internal contestation, it is also seen as a move to prevent factional resentment and legal disputes after nominations. The APC’s stance signals a renewed emphasis on competitive politics within the party, setting the stage for potentially heated primaries as aspirants across the country begin positioning for tickets ahead of 2027.