2027: Tinubu Backs APC to Grant Automatic Tickets to National Assembly Members; Governors Kick

By Peter Dansu  Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over reported plans to grant automatic return tickets to ser...

By Peter Dansu 

Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over reported plans to grant automatic return tickets to serving National Assembly members ahead of the 2027 general elections—a move that is now generating backlash from several APC governors.

According to credible sources within the ruling party, the decision—allegedly backed by President Bola Tinubu—is intended to strengthen internal cohesion and minimize legal disputes during the party’s primaries. The proposal, insiders say, is also aimed at reducing high legislative turnover, preserving institutional memory, and rewarding loyal lawmakers.

But the plan is already facing stiff resistance from some governors, particularly from the South East and South West, who are reportedly working behind the scenes to scuttle the arrangement in their respective states.

One South East governor and his South West counterpart are said to be spearheading the anti-automatic ticket push. The two, along with a few other like-minded governors, are expected to take up the matter with APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, in Abuja after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

While some APC governors remain indifferent or cautiously supportive—fearing political backlash due to the President’s involvement—others have signaled strong opposition. Sources within the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) say that a number of governors, especially those who assumed office through off-cycle elections and inherited National Assembly members, are particularly unhappy with the move.

A source who spoke under anonymity revealed:

“Two South West governors have rejected efforts to challenge the President’s decision. They believe the move is strategic and should not be opposed. But others are pushing for a confrontation, warning that governors must retain influence over the ticketing process in their states.”

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has distanced himself from the controversy, saying he will abide by the party’s final decision. His Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, told LEADERSHIP that Uzodimma, as a loyal party man, “will follow the party’s decision in respect of automatic tickets to lawmakers.” However, he clarified that Uzodimma's stance should not be taken as representing the views of all APC governors.

Efforts to reach the party’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his line were left unanswered.

The controversy comes after LEADERSHIP exclusively reported that the idea of automatic tickets was floated from within the Presidential Villa, as part of broader efforts to stabilize the party and protect its hold on legislative seats.

Speaking at a recent APC North Central leadership meeting, where President Tinubu was endorsed for a second term, Ganduje weighed in on the issue of legislative retention.

“We should thank our legislators for their support… Why do we have a high turnover of lawmakers every four years? That does not encourage institutional memory. If we can't legislate on it, we can at least advocate for continuity,” he said.

However, the push for automatic tickets is beginning to stir political tensions at the grassroots. In Ondo State, an APC chieftain and former Niger Delta agitator reportedly vowed to sponsor opposition candidates against sitting federal lawmakers in his constituency if the automatic ticket plan is not reversed.

According to party insiders, the automatic ticket strategy is part of a larger effort by President Tinubu to tighten his grip on the APC’s internal structures and ensure that trusted allies remain in key legislative positions going into the 2027 elections.

Some believe the strategy has already started yielding results, citing the recent defection of several opposition lawmakers to the ruling party as evidence of a coordinated effort to secure legislative dominance.

As the party navigates growing internal dissent and power dynamics between state governors and federal lawmakers, all eyes are now on the APC leadership and the President to see how they will balance loyalty, strategy, and the democratic principles of internal party democracy.