The ruling All Progressives Congress has firmly rejected calls to grant automatic tickets to serving members of the National Assembly ahead of its 2026 primaries, insisting that all aspirants must undergo a competitive nomination process.
The decision, which aligns with the party’s position on internal democracy, followed mounting pressure from some federal lawmakers seeking guaranteed return tickets.
However, the proposal was reportedly dismissed by the party’s leadership and the Presidency over concerns that it could undermine fairness and accountability.
Findings by PLATFORM TIMES indicate that during recent engagements with the party’s National Assembly caucus, the APC leadership made it clear that no aspirant would be exempted from the primary process.
Lawmakers were consequently advised to return to their constituencies and consult widely with governors and grassroots stakeholders if they intend to secure renomination.
Party sources said the directive reinforces the strategic role of state governors in determining candidate emergence, especially within the APC’s political structure.
A senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that granting automatic tickets could alienate party members at the grassroots and erode confidence in the party’s democratic credentials.
“Automatic tickets will create a sense of entitlement among incumbents and weaken accountability. It could also trigger internal crises capable of affecting the party’s chances in the next general elections,” the source said.
The position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also understood to favour strict adherence to due process, with emphasis on inclusiveness and unity rather than preferential treatment for office holders.
Political observers note that the rejection of automatic tickets may intensify competition within the ruling party, as both incumbent lawmakers and new entrants prepare to test their popularity at the primaries.
With the development, all serving senators and members of the House of Representatives under the APC platform are expected to participate in the 2026 primaries, setting the stage for what party insiders describe as a keenly contested exercise driven by the will of members rather than incumbency advantage.
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