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2027 Election Race: APC Affirms Open Presidential Contest Despite Backing Tinubu

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 22nd, 2026.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated that its presidential ticket for the 2027 elections will remain open to all interested members, even as support continues to build within the party for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek another term.

A senior party official, Chidi Duru, who serves as Deputy National Organising Secretary, said the APC’s internal processes would not exclude aspirants willing to contest. He noted that while consensus arrangements are common within the party, they do not override the right of members to participate in competitive primaries.

“The party encourages consensus where possible, but it does not shut the door on anyone who wishes to run,” he said, according to The Punch.

Duru explained that sitting officeholders often enjoy an edge in such contests, especially when their stewardship aligns with party expectations. He described this advantage as a reflection of performance-based politics rather than automatic entitlement.

He added that political parties typically prioritize candidates who have demonstrated commitment to their programmes and governance agenda, as this increases their chances at the polls. “If a candidate has delivered on the party’s mandate, it is natural for the party to consider continuity,” he noted, a position similarly reported by The Guardian Nigeria.

At the same time, he emphasized that poor performance could weaken an incumbent’s chances, as parties must remain sensitive to public opinion and electoral realities. This, he said, ensures that leaders remain accountable while in office.

Duru also expressed the view that first-term officeholders should generally be allowed to seek re-election, pointing out that the Nigerian Constitution already provides room for a second term for both governors and the president. According to Daily Times, he maintained that such provisions help reinforce stability and policy continuity where leadership is effective.

Responding to concerns that perceived preferential treatment for incumbents could trigger dissatisfaction within party ranks, Duru insisted that party members are usually guided by constitutional provisions and internal democracy.

His remarks come ahead of the APC’s national convention scheduled to take place in Abuja between March 27 and 28, where party leaders are expected to deliberate on key organisational and political matters.

In the lead-up to the gathering, the party has also reaffirmed its zoning structure for national offices, a move aimed at sustaining internal balance. The Nation reports that the arrangement distributes leadership roles across the country’s geopolitical zones to promote inclusiveness and stability.

Observers say the APC’s position reflects a dual strategy, supporting continuity in leadership while preserving a democratic framework that allows competition among its members as the 2027 elections approach.