A fresh wave of unease is rippling through the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following the early endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 by some of the party’s most influential figures.
Leading the charge are Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the APC’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. However, what was intended as a show of unity has instead triggered unrest within party ranks and intensified speculation about automatic tickets for select lawmakers.
The unease is most visible in states like Delta, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure recently crossed over to the APC. Long-standing party members, wary of being overshadowed by new entrants, are raising questions about loyalty and fairness. There’s growing concern over whether those who built the APC from scratch might be sidelined in favour of defectors promised guaranteed tickets.
Meanwhile, lawmakers who defected from opposition parties have reportedly begun lobbying for automatic renomination, citing loyalty and service to the party. But grassroots members have pushed back, insisting that transparent and competitive primaries remain the bedrock of the APC’s democratic values.
APC Publicly Denies Automatic Ticket Claims
Responding to the swirling reports, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka issued a pointed rebuttal. He dismissed the claims of automatic tickets for lawmakers as entirely fabricated.
“The report is fake news and should be disregarded in its entirety, as it did not emanate from our great party,” Morka declared in a statement.
He stressed that the APC remained committed to fairness and inclusivity, and urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as “of mischievous origin.” Yet despite these assurances, insiders insist lobbying efforts by lawmakers—particularly those aligned with Tinubu—have escalated behind the scenes.
“The President has been assessed and seen to have done a good job. So anybody seeking a second or third term must put their report card on the table for party members to evaluate,” said Prince Hilliard Eta, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South). “We know some of them have nothing to show for occupying their seats.”
Opposition, Critics Voice Outrage
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has also weighed in on the matter, condemning what it termed the APC’s hypocritical approach to internal party politics. In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP said the APC’s tendency to promise automatic tickets to defectors undermines democratic competition.
“Automatic tickets are undemocratic and disenfranchise other party members. This practice stifles the aspirations of many deserving members,” the statement read.
“We are not oblivious to the APC’s notorious practice of promising automatic tickets to defectors. This blatant double standard exposes the APC’s lack of commitment to democratic principles and fairness.”
Mamora Cautions: ‘Wait and See’
Offering a more tempered perspective, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, acknowledged the potential for friction but expressed confidence in the party’s leadership to manage the fallout.
“Each case will be addressed on its own merit. There’s no doubt the issue of automatic tickets will create tension between defectors and old members. But the APC leadership has the necessary mechanisms to manage it,” he noted.
Labour Party Predicts APC Implosion
On the opposition front, Tanko Yunusa, a senior Labour Party figure and Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, didn’t mince words, predicting the APC’s internal implosion.
“They know they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. That’s the beginning of the implosion that is bound to happen in that party,” Yunusa told Guardian.
He accused the ruling party of selfish politicking, particularly in its early endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 presidential race.
“That is selfishness. That’s part of the implosion we are talking about,” he added.
Yunusa argued that the APC’s inability to manage the growing ambitions within its expanding ranks is a recipe for collapse, stating that only a genuine multiparty democratic culture can resolve such deep-rooted contradictions. Defending Labour Party’s internal processes, he highlighted the inclusive leadership of Peter Obi.
“You may say the same about Peter Obi, but he has always been open to competition. He never stops anyone from contesting in our party.”
