The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that its 2027 presidential ticket will remain open to all interested members, despite the party’s strong backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek re-election.
While party stakeholders have publicly endorsed Tinubu for a second term, APC officials insist that no aspirant will be excluded from contesting, underscoring the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Speaking on the development, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Chidi Duru, said the emergence of a consensus candidate does not negate the right of others to join the race.
“It is not that we are likely, we will have a consensus. That reflects the democratic nature of the APC.
However, anyone who wishes to contest is free to do so,” he stated.
Duru explained that while consensus arrangements are a common feature in party politics, they cannot override the rights of aspirants willing to test their popularity at the primaries.
He noted that incumbents often enjoy a strategic advantage, particularly when party members are satisfied with their performance in office—an idea he linked to the political principle known as the “right of first refusal.”
According to him, the party’s decision to field candidates for re-election largely depends on their track record, warning that poor performance could cost the party victory at the polls.
“If a candidate performs well, the party is more likely to present them again. But if they fail to meet expectations, the party risks losing the election by retaining them,” Duru added.
He stressed that this principle applies across all elective positions, including governors and lawmakers, maintaining that competent officeholders should be given the opportunity to complete a second term.
Addressing concerns over potential internal disputes, Duru pointed out that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees elected officials including the president and governors the right to seek re-election.
The APC is expected to deliberate further on party strategy and internal matters at its upcoming national convention scheduled to take place in Abuja from March 27 to March 28, 2026.