Following the early backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s candidacy for a second term in 2027 by influential members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a new surge of political tension seems to be developing within the party.
The backing, led by Hope Uzodimma (PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor), Godswill Akpabio (Senate President), and Abdullahi Ganduje (APC National Chairman), has caused dissatisfaction among party loyalists and increased speculation about automatic tickets for certain lawmakers.
As expectations for ticket guarantees grow, tensions are emerging in states such as Delta, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire PDP structure have recently switched to the APC.
The Guardian reports that veteran members are worried about being pushed to the sidelines, with some questioning whether the party will now prioritize newcomers over its “landlords”—those who established the party.
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Likewise, it has been said that legislators who have switched from opposition parties are now trying to secure automatic renomination by referencing their loyalty and service. Nevertheless, a significant number of grassroots members from the APC have pushed back, asserting that the party should maintain competitive primaries.
APC Refutes Claims of Automatic Tickets Amid rising worries, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka provided a strong denial, calling the reports about automatic tickets “fake news.”
Morka stated, “The report is fake news and should be completely disregarded, as it did not come from our great party.”
He noted that the APC continues to be dedicated to transparency and fairness, and he called on the public to disregard the rumours, describing them as “of mischievous origin.”
Even though the party has publicly denied it, internal sources and observers indicate that lobbying efforts by certain lawmakers—especially those aligned with Tinubu—have increased in private.
“The assessment of the President indicates that he has performed well. According to Prince Hilliard Eta, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), “Anyone looking for a second or third term must present their report card for party members to assess.”
“We are aware that some of them have no achievements to demonstrate for holding their positions.”
On the other hand, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) voiced significant discontent with how the APC managed the situation internally.
