APC Governors, Lawmakers Clash Over Automatic Tickets Ahead of 2027 Elections

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing rising internal tensions as federal lawmakers and state governors push for automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and outgoing governors seeking senatorial positions are reportedly demanding guaranteed slots to secure their party nominations, stirring debate over internal party democracy and candidate selection.

Reports indicate that lawmakers are worried some governors may block their return to the National Assembly or back alternative candidates for personal or political reasons. Sources say the party is carefully navigating these demands to prevent a crisis in the lead-up to primaries, especially given recent mass defections into the APC from opposition parties.

The APC National Assembly leadership has strongly advocated for automatic tickets for serving legislators, arguing that it would ensure continuity, stability, and effective policy implementation. Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized that lawmakers have played a pivotal role in advancing reforms under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, including fiscal and electoral changes. Abbas described automatic tickets not as a “privilege,” but as a strategic measure to safeguard ongoing reforms.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio also expressed support for the move, highlighting the importance of legislative continuity. Advocates argue that automatic tickets would allow lawmakers to focus on delivering their mandates without being distracted by competitive party primaries, helping sustain the party’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

A recent closed-door meeting between APC National Chairman Yilwatda Nentawe, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and House caucus members reportedly drew around 230 lawmakers. While no formal decision was reached, the party assured lawmakers that their interests would be considered. A party source said, “The party is in a dilemma. Many members have recently defected, and their interests must also be balanced.”

Political analysts warn that mishandling the automatic ticket demand could trigger a major internal crisis during the primaries. Analyst Mathew Ifeolu stated that most political disputes in Nigeria emerge after primaries, urging APC leaders to handle the issue with transparency and fairness.

Meanwhile, some APC factions continue to advocate for direct primaries and open contests to strengthen grassroots participation and uphold internal democracy, highlighting the delicate balance the party must strike between political strategy and party cohesion.

The resolution of this debate is expected to have significant implications for the APC’s unity and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, as the party tries to manage competing demands from lawmakers, governors, and newly defected members.

APC Governors, Lawmakers Clash Over Automatic Tickets Ahead of 2027 Elections

2027: APC Confident of Landslide Victory in Kaduna – Abbas Assures Tinubu

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed strong confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will secure a landslide victory in Kaduna State during the 2027 general elections, assuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of total dominance across the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Kaduna political stakeholders to the President, Abbas said the ruling party has now gained widespread acceptance across the state’s three senatorial districts—Kaduna North, Central, and South—marking a major political shift ahead of 2027.

According to him, what used to be a divided political landscape has transformed into a unified front, with leaders across all zones working together to ensure victory for the APC. He stated that the visit was aimed at briefing the President on the party’s growing strength and to reassure him that 2027 is guaranteed, with a landslide victory from zone one to zone two to zone three.

The Speaker explained that in previous elections, APC’s strength was largely limited to northern and central Kaduna, while Southern Kaduna remained a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, he credited Governor Uba Sani for fostering inclusiveness and bridging long-standing political and regional divides, which has led to increased acceptance of the APC in the southern part of the state.

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He also highlighted recent political developments, including the defection of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and other lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, describing it as a major boost to the ruling party’s structure and grassroots appeal. With these shifts, Abbas declared that the APC is now the dominant political force across all three senatorial districts in Kaduna State.

In his remarks, Senator Katung reaffirmed Kaduna’s readiness for the 2027 elections, noting that efforts are ongoing to attract more stakeholders into the APC. He attributed the growing support for the party to federal and state government interventions, including key development projects that have improved the lives of people in Southern Kaduna.

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani described the current political alignment in Kaduna as historic, pointing out that the state has long been divided along religious and regional lines. He noted that while the northern part traditionally supported APC and its legacy parties, the predominantly Christian southern region had consistently aligned with the PDP since 1999.

According to him, this is the first time both the Muslim North and Christian South are united with a common goal—to re-elect Governor Uba Sani and President Tinubu in 2027. He added that this unity is driven by what he described as verifiable achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and governance by both the federal and state governments.

The stakeholders unanimously declared Kaduna “battle-ready” for the next general elections, pledging to mobilise voters across all communities to ensure a sweeping victory for APC candidates. They emphasised that continued grassroots engagement and visible development projects would be key factors in securing electoral success.

Political analysts say Kaduna remains a crucial battleground in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, and the emerging unity, defections, and shifting alliances could significantly influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.

2027: APC Confident of Landslide Victory in Kaduna – Abbas Assures Tinubu

INEC Derecognition: ADC Alleges Plot to Silence Opposition

The African Democratic Congress has intensified its criticism of the Independent National Electoral Commission following the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition of its leadership, describing the move as politically motivated and legally flawed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party rejected INEC’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling, insisting that the electoral body acted under pressure from a “jittery” federal government unsettled by the ADC’s growing political influence.

According to the party, INEC’s decision to stop recognising any faction of the ADC—particularly the camp associated with former Senate President David Mark—is not grounded in law but reflects external interference aimed at weakening opposition forces.

The ADC INEC crisis deepened after the commission announced it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party pending the resolution of its lingering leadership dispute in court. INEC also stated that it would not monitor or participate in any party activities, including congresses or conventions, until a final judicial pronouncement is made.

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Reacting, the ADC described the move as a dangerous precedent that raises serious concerns about INEC independence and the future of Nigeria’s democracy. The party alleged that the federal government is actively working to suppress opposition voices and pave the way for a one-party system.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. This action clearly shows the commission has caved to pressure from a government threatened by our rising momentum,” Abdullahi stated.

The party further argued that INEC’s position was riddled with inconsistencies, noting that the commission misrepresented the appellate court’s judgment to justify its action. It promised to release a detailed rebuttal to expose what it called contradictions in INEC’s statement.

Amid the growing tension, the ADC warned that the development reinforces fears of government interference in INEC and undermines public confidence in the electoral process.

“What is evident is that INEC has abandoned its neutrality and chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” the statement added.

Despite its strong stance, the party said it is currently reviewing its legal and political options and will announce its next line of action in due course. Analysts say the outcome of the dispute could significantly shape opposition politics and party alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC, however, called on its members and supporters nationwide to remain calm and resolute as events unfold, reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles and political pluralism.

INEC Derecognition: ADC Alleges Plot to Silence Opposition