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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive abolishing automatic tickets for sitting members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is starting to change the political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with emerging indications that politics could reshape the contest in the Ondo North senatorial district.
The president had declared that no incumbent official would be guaranteed the party ticket, a move widely seen as an attempt to deepen internal democracy and force aspirants to seek fresh mandates from party members.
The findings show that the development is already creating a more competitive atmosphere in Ondo North, where a new political dynamic appears to be favoring new aspirants, including Michael Abayomi Adeyanju.
A recent poll conducted by PenPlus reportedly placed Adeyanju’s approval rating at 90% among respondents in the district, suggesting growing acceptance of his candidacy.
While political analysts caution that opinion polls are not definitive predictors of election results, they note that such numbers often reflect voters’ underlying sentiment.
Observers say the removal of automatic tickets has weakened the traditional advantage enjoyed by incumbents, who previously relied on party structures and sponsorships to secure renomination with limited competition.
One political analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said politics had effectively shifted the battlefield toward grassroots mobilization and public acceptance.
“The message is clear: aspirants must return to the people. Power alone is no longer enough,” the analyst said.
Adeyanju, an engineer and entrepreneur, is said to have built his profile around community engagement and local economic initiatives, factors that some stakeholders say are increasing his appeal among party members and voters.
The evolving situation in Ondo North is also putting pressure on serving officials, who are now expected to defend their performance to delegates in what promises to be a more open primary trial.
Stakeholders within the APC say the new approach could encourage wider participation and reduce enforcement, although concerns remain about how fairly the process will be handled at party level.
While the race to 2027 is still in its early stages, political observers say the “no ticket” policy has introduced a new level of uncertainty – and opportunity – into the system.
For aspirants like Adeyanju, the shifting terrain may offer a path to challenge established structures, as the contest increasingly tilts toward candidates with demonstrable grassroots support.
However, analysts warn that political alliances, party dynamics and unexpected developments could still influence the final outcome as the election cycle progresses.
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