2027: Presidential Ticket Open to All Aspirants – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it will not bar any interested member from contesting its 2027 presidential ticket, even as the party has adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

The party’s Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Chidi Duru, said the APC remains a democratic platform open to all aspirants, although it could still opt for a consensus candidate.

“It is not likely that we will have a consensus. This indicates that the APC is a democratic party. But if any member wants to get involved, they are welcome,” he said.

Duru, however, noted that incumbent presidents often enjoy an advantage in seeking re-election, particularly when they have performed to the satisfaction of party members and the electorate. He explained that this principle, often described as “right of first refusal,” is linked to the party’s performance and ideology.

According to him, political parties are more likely to present candidates who have fulfilled their mandate, as poor performance could jeopardize electoral success.

“The idea is to ensure that those who carry the party card are individuals capable of fully implementing its ideology and manifesto. If they perform well, they are likely to be re-elected,” he added.

Duru also expressed personal support for extending this principle to governors and other elected officials, arguing that giving incumbents automatic tickets helps keep officials accountable by motivating them to follow through on their commitments.

Addressing concerns that such an approach could create domestic discontent, he stressed that the Nigerian Constitution already provides space for second-term candidatures of presidents and governors.

His comments come ahead of the APC national convention scheduled to be held in Abuja from March 27 to 28, 2026.

In preparation for the convention, the party’s National Working Committee reaffirmed its zoning agreement for key leadership positions, a move aimed at maintaining internal balance.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the current power-sharing formula in the six geopolitical zones remains in place, stressing efforts to preserve unity within the party.

Party sources say the zoning structure is intended to ensure continuity and cohesion as the APC positions itself for the 2027 general elections.

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