APC ticket machines spark tension in Ogun, Ondo and others

…Governors and lawmakers clash over control of 188 restitution bids

…The plan supported by Tinubu triggers a new power struggle ahead of 2027

Daud Olatunji

Fresh tensions are brewing within the All Progressives Congress (AlPC), as governors and federal lawmakers clash over moves to secure automatic return tickets for 188 serving members of the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the party say the development has triggered a quiet but escalating power struggle in some APC-controlled states, including Ogun, Ondo and Benue, where state governors are reportedly at odds with influential legislators over control of nomination processes.

The results indicate that the deal, if finalized, will see 48 senators and 140 members of the House of Representatives retain their seats in what party leaders describe as a major consolidation strategy aimed at stabilizing the legislature.

High-level sources within the APC National Working Committee (NWC) said the plan is part of a larger policy plan to reduce high turnover of legislators and strengthen institutional continuity in the National Assembly.

According to sources, governors of the affected states have already been discreetly informed of the deal, although some are said to resist some aspects of the proposal, particularly where it conflicts with their preferred aspirants.

Lawmakers benefiting from the automatic return arrangement are said to have been recommended by the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

PLATFORM TIMES gathered that although the final list has not been made public, party sources said the South-West and South-South geopolitical zones account for the largest number of expected returnees, a development that is already generating political unease in some state chapters.

The move follows a series of consultations between President Bola Tinubu and APC federal lawmakers at the Presidential Villa, where discussions were said to focus on party cohesion, legislative stability and governance coordination ahead of the next election cycle.

A senior APC official said the decision was motivated by concerns about the frequent turnover of the National Assembly, which he said had weakened legislative experience and slowed political continuity.

“One of the challenges has been the constant change of legislators, which affects legislative stability,” the official said.

“The idea is to retain experienced legislators who can support effective governance and political continuity.”

He, however, stressed that the agreement is not intended to undermine internal democracy, but to strengthen the synergy between the executive and the legislature.

Despite these explanations, the matter has sparked quiet tension in some APC-controlled states, particularly Ogun, Ondo and Benue, where governors and federal legislators are reportedly engaged in a behind-the-scenes rivalry for control of party tickets.

Sources said that while some governors insist on maintaining dominance over state-level appointments, lawmakers benefiting from the deal are relying on support from national party structures to ensure their return.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier confirmed consultations between the presidency and the leadership of the National Assembly, describing the engagements as part of ongoing political consultations ahead of 2027.

Party stakeholders said the ongoing deal reflects a broader recalibration within the APC as it seeks to balance loyalty, performance and political interests ahead of a critical election cycle.

While the official list of approved lawmakers has yet to be released, insiders insist that most of the 188 selected lawmakers are unlikely to face serious opposition in the primaries, despite growing unease in some state branches of the party.

Source: Leadership

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE