The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that despite widespread endorsements of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, its 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all interested aspirants.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the APC’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu, dismissed rumours that the party plans to automatically hand its 2027 ticket to Tinubu without a contest.
“It is the wish of the party and indeed the National Working Committee (NWC) that President Tinubu continues in office. Our endorsement reflects appreciation for his performance. But that does not mean we are shutting out others,” Argungu said.
He confirmed that the president had been endorsed not just by the NWC, but by state chapters and zonal structures across the country.
Nonetheless, he emphasised that the internal democratic process would not be compromised.
“When the time comes, we will release our timetable, and any party member interested in contesting will be free to purchase nomination and expression of interest forms,” he added. “Democracy does not accommodate dictatorship.”
Argungu also reaffirmed that the APC would adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the provisions of the Electoral Act during its primaries.
He described recent APC victories in bye-elections across traditionally opposition-dominated states as proof of growing public confidence in the party and in President Tinubu’s leadership.
“That we are winning elections in PDP strongholds is a testament to the faith Nigerians have in our progressive agenda,” Argungu said.
Addressing concerns over the upcoming Ekiti governorship primaries, Argungu assured that the process would be open and transparent.
“So far, four aspirants have obtained forms, two men and two women. The women are benefitting from our policy that grants free nomination forms to female aspirants. No one has been denied access,” he said.
He also pushed back on allegations that the party’s Organising Department was being sidelined in primary election planning, stating that since assuming office in 2022, his team has driven reforms to promote fairness and teamwork within the APC.
