The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed that its presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections remains open to all qualified members, despite a series of endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek a second term.
The party’s leadership, including the National Working Committee, the Progressives Governors Forum, and the National Assembly leadership, had earlier thrown their weight behind Tinubu, citing his performance in office.
However, the party insists that the endorsement does not foreclose the chances of other aspirants who may wish to contest during the primaries.
At an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, the APC clarified that it is committed to upholding democratic values and will provide a level playing field for all members.
Interested contenders will have the opportunity to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms once the timetable for the primaries is released.
The clarification comes amid concerns that the APC could adopt the strategy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014, when the then-ruling party restricted its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole aspirant.
The APC leadership dismissed such speculations, stressing that internal democracy remains a cornerstone of its operations.
On the party’s recent electoral performance, the National Organising Secretary pointed to APC’s victory in 13 out of 16 contested seats in the latest by-elections as evidence of its strength and acceptance nationwide.
He attributed the success to the collective efforts of party leaders, members, and supporters, describing it as a sign of growing public confidence in the APC’s ability to deliver effective governance.
With Tinubu already receiving widespread backing for re-election, the 2027 primaries are expected to be a crucial test of the ruling party’s commitment to internal democracy and inclusiveness.
