The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its members in the National Assembly could be granted automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, made the clarification during a media briefing in Abuja, addressing growing speculation within political circles about possible preferential treatment for incumbent lawmakers.
Yilwatda stated unequivocally that there is no provision for automatic tickets in the party’s constitution, stressing that all aspirants must follow due process as outlined in both party rules and national electoral laws.
“There is no automatic ticket in our constitution. The party cannot promise an automatic ticket,” he said.
He explained that the APC’s constitution, as well as Nigeria’s Electoral Act, clearly defines the procedures for selecting candidates, leaving no room for bypassing established guidelines regardless of an individual’s political standing.
“There’s no automatic ticket in our constitution. The constitution of the party does not provide for automatic tickets, and the party cannot wishfully promise automatic ticket to anyone,” Yilwatda reiterated.
He further noted that the Electoral Act mandates that party primaries must be conducted either through consensus or direct voting, reinforcing the principle of internal democracy.
“The Electoral Act also does not provide for automatic ticket. It says all primaries must be either by consensus or by direct primaries,” he added.
According to the APC chairman, all party members—including serving senators and members of the House of Representatives—will be required to participate in the same primary process when the time comes.
“All members of our party will undergo the same process. We will use the Electoral Act, our party guidelines, and constitution to get people to participate in primaries,” he said.
Yilwatda also emphasized that performance in office would be a key factor in determining which candidates receive support from party members during the primaries. He suggested that lawmakers seeking re-election would need to demonstrate their achievements to secure backing.
“The people and party members will judge those who have performed very well,” he said.
His remarks come amid increasing political activity and early maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties and aspirants positioning themselves for nominations.
Analysts say the APC’s stance signals an effort to reinforce internal democracy and prevent imposition of candidates, a practice that has historically generated tensions within political parties in Nigeria.
By insisting on adherence to constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, the party leadership appears keen to maintain a level playing field for all aspirants, while allowing party members to ultimately decide who emerges as candidates in the next election cycle.
