The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially stated that defecting governors will not receive automatic tickets for the 2027 general elections. This decision signals a shift in party strategy, aiming to uphold internal democracy and prevent preferential treatment for recent high-profile entrants. Top party power brokers have made it clear that seeking re-election will require navigating the party’s standard primary processes, regardless of a governor’s previous party affiliation or the timing of their defection.
This policy directly affects several governors who have recently joined the APC. Among those expected to adhere to this new rule are governors from states like Akwa Ibom, Taraba, and Rivers. Furthermore, reports suggest that the same strict policy will be applied to the governor of Kano State, should his rumored defection to the APC materialize.
A prominent member of the APC National Working Committee, speaking anonymously, emphasized that joining the party does not guarantee an immediate return ticket. The APC, they clarified, is built on internal democracy, and all members must participate in the party’s primary elections to earn their nominations.
Featured snippet paragraph: The APC has ruled out automatic tickets for defecting governors in 2027 to ensure a level playing field and uphold internal democratic processes. All members, including new defectors, must participate in party primaries to secure nominations for re-election.
According to the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, the party is a “progressive and democratic” institution committed to a fair selection process. He highlighted that even President Bola Tinubu, despite his strong support base, has not been granted an automatic ticket, underscoring the party’s commitment to this principle.
The recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has drawn criticism from their former parties. Officials from the PDP and NNPP have labeled these moves as “selfish” and driven by a desire for re-election, suggesting that the defectors may face disappointment within the APC.
Critics argue that the APC often entices politicians with unfulfilled promises, leading to frustration when political aspirations clash with party realities. The defectors’ claims of being inspired by President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” are met with skepticism by their former party members.
Several governors from the South-South and South-East regions have recently joined the APC, alongside members of the National Assembly and former ministers. These movements have significantly reshaped the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
The APC leadership has reiterated its welcoming stance towards new members but firmly maintains that electoral tickets are earned through competitive party primaries and the support of party members.
In related news, rumors of automatic slots for National Assembly members have also been dismissed by the APC leadership. The party insists that the selection process for all positions in 2027 will remain open and competitive, ensuring fairness for all aspirants.
This firm stance by the APC on automatic tickets is a significant development, setting a new precedent for party discipline and candidate selection ahead of the crucial 2027 elections. It aims to foster a more robust internal democracy and reward loyalty and merit within the party structure.
The decision is expected to influence the political strategies of governors and aspiring candidates across Nigeria, as they now know that re-election or new candidacies will depend on their performance in party primaries rather than pre-arranged deals.
This move by the APC is seen by some as a strategic play to consolidate its power base and ensure that only dedicated party members who have actively participated in its internal processes are given the opportunity to represent it in the upcoming elections.
Ultimately, the APC’s commitment to open primaries for all, including high-profile defectors, signals a potential shift towards greater accountability and democratic practice within Nigeria’s political parties.
