2027: Tension Brews in APC Over Proposal for Automatic Tickets

Concerns are mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding a proposal to grant automatic tickets to sitting National Assembly members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Several APC governors have reportedly expressed strong reservations about the plan, with discussions already underway to counter it. Key opposition is said to be led by governors from the South East and South West, who aim to block automatic re-nominations for lawmakers in their respective regions.

These dissenting governors are expected to hold discussions with APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje in Abuja after the Sallah celebration, as internal party negotiations continue.

While some governors are quietly opposed, others are treading carefully, aware that the initiative is allegedly being backed by President Bola Tinubu.

Imo State Governor and APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has stated he will align with the party’s eventual decision. His Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku, emphasized that Uzodimma remains a loyal party member and will support any resolution made, though he clarified the governor’s stance is personal and not representative of other governors.

Efforts to reach the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

Earlier reports indicated that the presidency is keen on offering automatic tickets to serving APC lawmakers as a means of ensuring internal party stability and reducing the risks of protracted legal disputes during primaries.

At a recent gathering of North Central APC leaders, Ganduje echoed this sentiment, questioning the high turnover rate of legislators and suggesting that continuity could be promoted through internal advocacy. He urged the party to engage with National Assembly leadership to identify high-performing lawmakers deserving of another term.

Meanwhile, insider sources within the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) revealed that two South West governors remain firmly opposed to any effort aimed at halting automatic ticket offers. These governors reportedly advised their colleagues not to challenge the President’s position, warning that the move might serve broader strategic interests.

A source familiar with the discussions noted that the push for automatic tickets aligns with the President’s broader goal of consolidating control over party structures and avoiding disruption from inexperienced lawmakers entering the National Assembly in 2027.

The proposal, insiders claim, is also aimed at minimizing legal challenges and preserving party unity in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle. It may also explain a recent wave of defections to the APC by former opposition lawmakers.

Nonetheless, tensions are growing in some states. In Ondo, a prominent APC chieftain and former Niger Delta militant has threatened to financially support rival candidates if automatic tickets are handed to incumbents in his area. Over the weekend, he reportedly vowed to fund challengers against both the sitting senator and House member representing his constituency should the party fail to open the field to competition.

Former Buhari Minister Resigns from APC

Amid this internal discord, former Environment Minister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi has formally exited the APC. A one-time Minister of State for Science and Technology under President Muhammadu Buhari, Abdullahi also served as Secretary to the State Government in Nasarawa under ex-Governor Tanko Almakura.

On Sunday, he submitted his resignation letter to the party leadership in his Uke ward, Karu Local Government Area, citing personal reasons for his departure. In his message, Abdullahi thanked the party for the platform and opportunities to serve, wishing its members success in the future.