The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is planning to grant automatic return tickets to some senators ahead of next year’s polls, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris hinted yesterday.

He explained at a meeting with stakeholders in Birni Kebbi, the state capital, that the lawmakers may be retained in recognition of their contributions to legislative stability and governance.

These senators include Adamu Aliero, Abdulaziz Yari, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Opeyemi Bamidele.

Others are Yahaya Abdullahi, Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Danjuma Goje and Adetokunbo Abiru.

The governor said the lawmakers have played significant roles in fostering cooperation between the Executive and Legislative arms, as well as ensuring the passage of key policies.

However, there has been no official confirmation from the APC national leadership on the proposed automatic tickets.

The shadow election for APC senatorial tickets will hold on May 18.

Kalu to lead Abia APC campaign

Senator Kalu, who was governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007, will lead the APC campaign for next year’s polls in the state.

The senator from Abia North District said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the directive, following a recent meeting at the Aso Villa, Abuja.

Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, said he would embrace the assignment with a sense of duty.

In a post on his Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip expressed gratitude for the assignment and pledged to reposition the party in the state.

He stated: “I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the APC.”

Kalu promised to strengthen unity within the party and prepare the chapter for electoral success.

He added: “As the most senior governor from the state, I will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the APC produces candidates who are widely acceptable and capable of delivering victory in Abia State for the President’s re-election, while promoting the overall interests of the state and the nation.”

A source said APC is planning to consolidate its structures in the South-East, particularly in Abia where it has faced strong opposition in previous elections.

Abia is also the state of House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu and former minister of State Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who are a rising leaders in the state.

The Presidential campaign in the state may be relatively easy unlike in the past because Governor Alex Otti, elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), has declared his support the re-election of President Tinubu.

APC extends time for screening in adjusted schedule

Sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest forms by APC which began on April 25 will now run through May 2.

Submission of completed forms will close on May 4, the ruling party said yesterday.

The arrangement is sequel to an extension of time by the party, a

statement in Abuja last night, by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirmed the new development.

Screening of aspirants is slated for May 6 to May 9. Publication of results will follow on May 11. Appeals are expected between May 12 and May 13.

Primary elections are to begin on May 15 with the House of Representatives. It will followed by the Senate on May 18, State Houses of Assembly on May 20, governorship on May 21, and the presidential primary on May 23.

The party also fixed the Post-primary appeals to run between May 18 and May 25, depending on the category of election.

Beyond the nomination fees, the NWC has also been under pressure to clarify the payment process for mandatory monthly membership dues. Under current APC guidelines, an aspirant’s eligibility is tied to being up-to-date with these financial obligations.

With the banks now identified, the party expects a “storm” of activity at the National Secretariat as aspirants rush to beat the May 4 submission deadline.

The ruling party has also released the list of designated banks for the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms.

The announcement comes three days after the official commencement of sales, a delay that had left many aspirants stranded and sparked concerns over the party’s administrative readiness for the 2027 general elections.

In the statement, Morka confirmed that payments are to be made through three specific financial institutions.

The banks are Union Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Zenith Bank.

Forms will be available for collection at the party’s National Secretariat upon presentation of proof of payment.

The release follows a wave of frustration at the party’s headquarters. Since Saturday, agents and aspirants—including an aspirant vying for the presidency—had reportedly been “in the dark” due to a lack of account details and payment guidelines.

Presidential hopeful Osifo Stanley told reporters that the bottleneck had become a significant source of anxiety for those on a tight electoral schedule. (The Nation)