The All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved to dispel growing speculation over automatic return tickets for serving lawmakers, making it clear that all aspirants must participate in the party’s primary process ahead of the 2026 elections.
With preparations for the primaries gathering momentum, indications from within the ruling party suggest that proposals seeking guaranteed tickets for incumbent Senators and members of the House of Representatives have not received approval from the party’s top hierarchy.
Sources across major national newspapers reveal that the idea, reportedly advanced by some influential figures within the National Assembly, failed to gain the support of both the party leadership and the Presidency.
The proposal had been framed by its promoters as a means of preserving legislative experience and ensuring continuity in parliament. However, resistance from key party stakeholders has stalled any move toward its adoption.
Emerging details from recent consultations between the APC national leadership and members of its National Assembly caucus point to a firm directive: lawmakers seeking another term must return to their states and consult with governors, party leaders, and local political structures before the primaries.
Party insiders say the message was unambiguous — incumbency alone will not guarantee renomination.
This development further reinforces the influence of state governors and party structures in determining candidate emergence, especially at the state and constituency levels where political alignments remain critical.
The party is said to be wary of any arrangement that could be interpreted as sidestepping the democratic process. Concerns have reportedly been raised that granting automatic tickets could alienate grassroots members, fuel resentment among new aspirants, and weaken confidence in the APC’s internal democratic credentials.
There are also fears that such a move could provoke internal disputes and deepen factional tensions as the party begins strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The current stance of the leadership appears to favour consultation, consensus-building, and adherence to established nomination procedures rather than preferential treatment for elected officials.
In effect, the APC has made it clear that every aspirant — including those currently in office — must subject themselves to the primary election process and secure the backing of party members.
As things stand, the 2026 primaries are shaping up to be a highly contested exercise, with outcomes expected to reflect the decisions of party stakeholders and delegates rather than the privileges of incumbency.