As preparations intensify for the 2026 primaries, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has effectively shut down agitation for automatic tickets for serving Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, reinforcing its commitment to internal democracy and competitive primaries.
Reports from major national dailies indicate that the proposal, championed by some National Assembly leaders, has failed to secure the backing of the party’s national leadership or the Presidency.
The Guardian noted that while the demand was presented as a strategy to ensure legislative continuity, it did not receive endorsement at the highest levels of the party.
In the same vein, Daily Trust reported that the APC leadership remains divided on the issue, with strong resistance from key stakeholders who view it as inconsistent with democratic norms.
Leadership Newspaper further confirmed that the matter remains unresolved, with ongoing consultations rather than policy adoption.
Significantly, outcomes from the most recent meeting between the APC National Chairman and members of the National Assembly caucus point to a clear position: lawmakers were directed to return to their respective states and engage their governors and political structures if they seek renomination. This was not a request but a firm position reflecting the party’s structure, where governors remain central to political coordination and candidate emergence at the state level.
The rejection of automatic tickets underscores a broader concern within the APC that such a policy would undermine accountability, weaken grassroots participation, and create perceptions of entitlement among elected officials. Party insiders, as reflected in media coverage, have warned that bypassing primaries could trigger internal dissent and damage the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s posture, as interpreted from these developments, aligns with preserving party unity through due process rather than endorsing preferential treatment. The emphasis remains on inclusiveness, consultation, and adherence to established nomination procedures.
In practical terms, the message from the APC leadership is unmistakable: no automatic tickets will be granted.
All aspirants, including incumbent lawmakers, must return to their constituencies, align with state leadership, and participate fully in the primary election process.
The 2026 primaries, therefore, are set to be competitive, transparent, and reflective of the will of party members not predetermined by incumbency.
