2027 Ticket: APC Welcomes Aspirants to Contest Against Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite enjoying widespread endorsement from key party organs for a second term, will not be handed an automatic ticket in the 2027 presidential race.

This position was made known by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, during an interactive session with journalists at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday. Argungu explained that although the National Working Committee, the Progressives Governors Forum, and the National Assembly leadership had all endorsed Tinubu’s re-election bid, the APC remained committed to democratic inclusivity.

According to him, the President’s endorsement was an expression of appreciation for his leadership and performance, but it would not translate into a closed contest. “We will definitely not close our doors to other presidential aspirants,” he said, assuring that the timetable for the primaries would be made public in due time.

Expression of Interest Forms Will Be Open to All

Argungu stressed that no aspirant within the party would be denied the right to participate in the process. He emphasised that the APC stands on democratic values and would ensure a level playing field for all members, regardless of the strong support Tinubu currently enjoys.

“When the time comes, our timetable will be made known. Anybody who wants to aspire for the presidency under APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms,” he explained. He maintained that the endorsement of Tinubu was not meant to bar others but to highlight the recognition of the President’s achievements.

This clarification came amid questions on whether the APC would adopt the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2014 approach, when the PDP reserved its presidential ticket for then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Argungu dismissed such a possibility, reiterating that the ruling party would continue to operate in line with democratic principles.

Tinubu’s Performance Underpins Endorsements

The National Organising Secretary pointed out that the unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu was driven by his “outstanding performance” in office. He said the APC leadership and stakeholders were convinced that Tinubu’s policies had started yielding positive impacts, and a second term would consolidate his reforms.

He described the endorsements from the Progressives Governors Forum, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and the National Assembly leadership, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as proof of unity within the party’s ranks. “We are only telling people that we appreciate what the President is doing for the people of the country and that he deserves a second term in office,” Argungu said.

He added that such a collective endorsement was not binding on the entire membership but symbolic of the confidence the party’s hierarchy reposes in Tinubu.

APC Celebrates By-Election Victories

Argungu also used the forum to review the party’s recent performance in by-elections across the country. He disclosed that the APC won 13 out of 16 contested seats, attributing the success to both divine favour and the tireless work of party members and leaders nationwide.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a reaffirmation of the confidence Nigerians continue to repose in the APC,” he said. According to him, the results were not mere statistics but a testament to the ruling party’s growing acceptability across the country.

The victories, he noted, reflect Nigerians’ faith in the APC’s ability to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance. He encouraged party members to sustain the momentum as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Party Reiterates Commitment to Internal Democracy

Looking ahead, the APC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and inclusive primaries. Argungu stated that the party would not deviate from its tradition of providing opportunities for all members to aspire to leadership positions, stressing that this openness was part of the party’s strength.

He maintained that, despite the powerful wave of endorsements backing Tinubu, aspirants willing to test their popularity would not be hindered. “We never said we had locked the door,” he clarified, adding that the APC remains a platform for all Nigerians seeking leadership through democratic means.

With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the ruling party appears poised to balance loyalty to its incumbent President with the need to uphold internal democracy—a move analysts believe could determine its unity and credibility in the years to come.