The All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently grappling with demands from federal lawmakers and state governors for automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 polls.

Reports indicate that Senators and members of the House of Representatives are demanding guaranteed slots from the party to return to their seats while outgoing state governors seeking to vie for senate seats are also making demands for the senatorial tickets of the party.

Party sources say no official decision has been made but several meetings are being held to address the issue. Insiders reveal the party is treading carefully to avert a crisis in the buildup to the primaries.

The leadership of the National Assembly has called for the adoption of automatic tickets for serving lawmakers, arguing that the move is critical to sustaining reforms championed by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The demand was reportedly made during the party’s last convention at Eagle Square in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the APC caucuses in both chambers, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, noted that granting return tickets to performing legislators would promote continuity, stability, and effective policy implementation in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

According to Abbas, the National Assembly has played a pivotal role in advancing key reforms—including fiscal and electoral changes—and should be strengthened rather than distracted by internal party contests.

“The stability of the legislature is critical to sustaining the reform process. Automatic tickets will allow lawmakers to focus on delivering on their mandate without the distractions of internal party contests,” Abbas said.

He maintained that the proposal is not a “privilege,” but a strategic mechanism to ensure policy consistency during a period of major economic reform. Senate President Godswill Akpabio aligned himself with the Speaker’s position, expressing strong support for legislative continuity.

APC leadership meets reps caucus

A closed-door meeting recently took place between the party’s National Chairman, Yilwatda Nentawe, National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and members of the House of Representatives. About 230 members of the party’s caucus reportedly attended the session, which lasted four hours.

According to a source privy to the meeting, no definitive deal was reached, but the party assured lawmakers that their collective interests would be protected.

“The party is in a dilemma. This is because there are members who recently defected to the party whose interests must also be considered where necessary,” the source added.

Lawmakers’ concerns

Lawmakers expressed anxiety over moves by certain governors to block their return to the National Assembly. It was learned that some governors, nursing personal grudges, are rooting for the replacement of specific lawmakers—or intend to run for those seats themselves.

A party source noted that this friction contradicts a rumored arrangement where governors would produce candidates for State Assemblies, while the President would have the final say on federal lawmaker candidates. The party is reportedly awaiting final clearance from the President before taking a definite stand.

The risks of mismanagement

Political analyst Mathew Ifeolu warned that if the ruling party fails to handle the demand for automatic tickets carefully, it could trigger a massive internal crisis.

In a telephone interview, Mr. Ifeolu noted that most political crises begin in the aftermath of primaries. He urged the APC leadership to manage the situation with transparency. (Daily Trust)