…Dismisses opposition boycott threats
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected agitation for automatic tickets for serving lawmakers, while also declaring its readiness to participate fully in the 2027 general elections regardless of any opposition boycott.
As preparations intensify for the 2026 primaries, the party has shut down proposals seeking automatic renomination for incumbent senators and members of the House of Representatives. The move reinforces the APC’s stance on internal democracy and signals a commitment to competitive primaries.
The proposal, reportedly backed by some leaders within the 10th National Assembly, failed to secure support from both the party’s national leadership and the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Although proponents argued that automatic tickets would ensure legislative continuity, key stakeholders opposed it, citing concerns over fairness and democratic norms.
Sources within the party indicated that deliberations remain ongoing, but no policy endorsing automatic tickets has been adopted. Instead, the outcome of recent engagements between the APC leadership and its National Assembly caucus points to a clear directive: lawmakers seeking renomination must return to their constituencies and consult widely with governors and local political structures.
Party insiders warn that granting automatic tickets could undermine accountability, weaken grassroots participation, and create a sense of entitlement among elected officials. They also caution that bypassing primaries may trigger internal dissent and hurt the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC leadership, aligned with President Tinubu’s emphasis on due process, has therefore made it clear that all aspirants—regardless of status—must participate in a transparent and competitive primary process.
Meanwhile, the party has also dismissed growing calls by some opposition figures to boycott the 2027 general elections over alleged bias by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking during a television appearance, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka insisted that the party would not withdraw from the electoral process under any circumstances. He stressed that Nigeria’s multiparty system remains intact, noting that several political parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—are still positioned to field candidates.
Morka dismissed the boycott threats, challenging opposition parties to focus on strengthening their internal structures instead of what he described as attempts to “blackmail” the electoral process. “I can’t give any assurance that the APC will not participate”, he said, affirming that the party would exercise its constitutional right to contest the elections.
The opposition agitation has been driven by concerns over alleged bias by INEC and fears of a predetermined outcome in favour of the ruling party. Some opposition figures, including Omoyele Sowore, have argued that participating in an election perceived as unfair would be meaningless. A faction of the PDP led by Taminu Turaki has also floated the idea of a boycott, while divisions within the ADC—following INEC’s derecognition of a faction led by David Mark—have further complicated opposition strategies.
Despite the mounting controversy, the APC maintains that the electoral process will proceed as constitutionally mandated.
