By Awwal Umar Kontagora As preparations intensify for the 2026 primaries, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to halt agitation ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
As preparations intensify for the 2026 primaries, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to halt agitation for automatic tickets for serving senators and members of the House of Representatives, reinforcing its commitment to internal democracy and competitive primaries.
Reports from major national dailies indicate that the proposal—championed by some National Assembly leaders—failed to secure the backing of the party’s national leadership and the Presidency.
The Guardian reported that although the demand was presented as a strategy to ensure legislative continuity, it did not receive endorsement at the highest levels of the party.
Similarly, Daily Trust noted that the APC leadership remains divided on the issue, with strong resistance from key stakeholders who consider the proposal inconsistent with democratic norms.
Leadership newspaper also confirmed that the matter remains unresolved, with ongoing consultations rather than any formal policy adoption.
Significantly, outcomes from the most recent meeting between the APC National Chairman and members of the National Assembly caucus point to a clear position: lawmakers have been directed to return to their respective states and consult with governors and party structures if they seek renomination.
This directive underscores the party’s structure, where governors play a central role in political coordination and candidate emergence at the state level.
The rejection of automatic tickets reflects broader concerns within the APC that such a policy could undermine accountability, weaken grassroots participation, and create a sense of entitlement among elected officials. Party insiders, as reflected in media reports, have warned that bypassing primaries could trigger internal dissent and damage the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The posture of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as inferred from these developments, aligns with preserving party unity through due process rather than endorsing preferential treatment. The emphasis remains on inclusiveness, consultation, and adherence to established nomination procedures.
In practical terms, the message from the APC leadership is clear: no automatic tickets will be granted.
All aspirants, including incumbent lawmakers, are expected to return to their constituencies, engage stakeholders, and participate fully in the primary election process.
The 2026 primaries, therefore, are set to be competitive, transparent, and reflective of the will of party members—rather than predetermined by incumbency.
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