ABUJA, Nigeria (FN), Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculation that incumbents will be granted automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could undermine internal democracy and fracture the party.
National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda told reporters that while some lawmakers had requested automatic return tickets, the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act require aspirants to go through primaries or consensus processes. “No individual, regardless of position, can bypass due process,” Yilwatda said, stressing that the APC must preserve its credibility by allowing members to test their popularity.
The debate over automatic tickets is not new in Nigeria’s political landscape. In 2019, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced internal rifts when some incumbents sought guaranteed nominations, leading to defections. In 2023, APC governors attempted to secure unopposed nominations, sparking protests from grassroots members. Smaller parties have also struggled with similar controversies, with imposed candidacies prompting legal challenges and weakening cohesion.
Analysts say automatic tickets risk eroding party legitimacy, fueling defections, and damaging public trust. Voters often view such arrangements as evidence of favoritism or elitism, undermining confidence in the electoral process.
Similar disputes have played out across Africa. In Kenya, ruling parties have faced protests from younger aspirants over guaranteed nominations for incumbents. In Ghana, candidate selection controversies have led to defections and weakened party unity ahead of elections.
With Nigeria’s 2027 elections approaching, APC leaders insist that rejecting automatic tickets is essential to avoid self‑destructive divisions. By committing to primaries or consensus, the party hopes to strengthen legitimacy and prevent the kind of factionalism that has destabilized political organizations at home and abroad.
