The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not be given an automatic presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections. While Tinubu remains the party’s preferred candidate, other aspirants will not be barred from contesting the primaries.
The announcement was made by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, who explained that although various party organs and state chapters have endorsed Tinubu, the APC is committed to running an inclusive and transparent process ahead of 2027.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the decision signals the ruling party’s attempt to balance loyalty to its sitting president with internal democratic practices, as speculations had been rife about whether Tinubu would be handed a free ticket.
APC Clarifies 2027 Presidential Ticket
Speaking at the APC national secretariat, Argungu stressed that the party’s endorsement of Tinubu should not be misconstrued as an imposition that prevents other members from contesting.
According to him, all interested aspirants are free to purchase nomination forms when the timetable for primaries is released.
“It will be the wish of the party, and we, the NWC of the party, have already endorsed President Tinubu as the next presidential candidate of the party. And by extension, other organs have equally done the same thing. Governors in the states have done the same too. It has also been replicated in all six geographical zones of the country. But it does not mean that the door is closed,” Argungu stated.
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He added that APC’s timetable will be released in due course, reaffirming that any qualified member can formally declare their intention to run for president under the party’s platform.
Endorsements Already in Place
Despite the clarification, there is little doubt about Tinubu’s strong hold within the party.
- The National Working Committee (NWC) has already backed him.
- State governors under the APC have publicly endorsed him.
- Leaders across all six geopolitical zones have also pledged their support.
This level of endorsement reflects the party’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, but it also highlights the importance of preserving party democracy by keeping the primaries open.
Why the Decision Matters
The APC’s choice not to grant Tinubu an automatic ticket carries political weight for several reasons:
- Internal Democracy – It projects the APC as a party that values democratic processes, giving room for competition rather than imposing candidates.
- Political Legitimacy – Allowing primaries could strengthen Tinubu’s mandate within the party, should he emerge as the candidate.
- Managing Discontent – By leaving the door open, the APC reduces the risk of internal rebellion from aggrieved aspirants.
- Electoral Strategy – A transparent process may help the APC project unity and fairness to the wider electorate in 2027.
Tinubu’s Position Ahead of 2027
President Tinubu, who was elected in 2023, will complete his first term in 2027. Historically, incumbent presidents in Nigeria have secured their party’s tickets with relative ease, as seen with former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari.
However, Tinubu’s presidency has faced challenges ranging from economic reforms and subsidy removal to currency instability and public discontent. Observers note that these issues may shape how strongly he is embraced during the primaries and eventual general elections.
Opposition Reactions
While the APC is working to position Tinubu for re-election, opposition parties are closely monitoring the situation. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political groups may use the opportunity to question APC’s unity or appeal to potential defectors who may feel sidelined.
Analysts believe that the 2027 elections could become highly competitive, particularly if opposition parties form alliances to challenge the ruling APC.
Implications for Other Aspirants
Although Tinubu enjoys overwhelming endorsements, the APC’s statement technically leaves the field open for other contenders.
Potential aspirants may include:
- Former governors with presidential ambitions.
- Serving ministers or key figures within the APC.
- New entrants seeking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction.
Whether or not any major figure will openly challenge Tinubu in the primaries remains to be seen.
What Next for APC?
The APC will in the coming months:
- Publish its official timetable for primaries.
- Begin the sale of nomination forms for interested aspirants.
- Conduct screenings and conventions leading up to the 2027 elections.
While Tinubu remains the frontrunner, the unfolding process will test the party’s commitment to fairness and inclusiveness.
Key Takeaway
The All Progressives Congress has made it clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not be handed an automatic presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. Though heavily endorsed by party structures nationwide, other aspirants are free to contest under APC’s platform when the primaries are scheduled.
This decision reflects the party’s effort to uphold internal democracy while maintaining strong support for the sitting president, setting the stage for an interesting build-up to the 2027 elections.
