2027: Presidential ticket open to all aspirants — APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that 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 Organising Secretary, Chidi Duru, said the APC remains a democratic platform open to all aspirants, though it may still opt for a consensus candidate.

“It is not that we are likely, we will have a consensus. That is an indication of the APC being a democratic party. But if any member wants to throw his hat in the ring, he is welcome,” he said.

Duru, however, noted that incumbents 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 the “right of first refusal,” is tied to performance and party ideology.

According to him, political parties are more inclined to present candidates who have delivered on their mandates, as poor performance could jeopardise electoral success.

“The idea is to ensure that those who carry the party’s ticket are individuals who can fully implement 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 granting performing incumbents automatic tickets helps keep officeholders accountable while motivating them to deliver.

Addressing concerns that such an approach could create internal discontent, he pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution already provides room for second-term bids for presidents and governors.

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

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

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the existing power-sharing formula across the six geopolitical zones remains in place, underscoring 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.