APC dismisses claims of automatic tickets for NASS members

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted circulating reports that it has promised automatic tickets to all of its National Assembly members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This clarification comes amid growing speculation that the presidency, in a bid to ensure party cohesion and minimize pre-election disputes, had allegedly offered guaranteed re-election slots to sitting lawmakers. Sources had claimed the move was designed to reduce the frequent turnover in the legislature and solidify support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

At a recent gathering with APC stakeholders from the North Central region, the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, underscored the value of continuity in the legislature but did not confirm any formal agreement regarding automatic candidacies.

“We must continue to appreciate our legislators for their contributions,” Ganduje said. “But why are we seeing such high turnover after every four years? How does that help build institutional memory? If we can’t legislate continuity, we can at least promote it through advocacy.”

He emphasized that the party could explore internal consultations with the National Assembly leadership to encourage the return of competent and impactful lawmakers.

The conversation took on new life after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, where APC leaders reportedly backed President Tinubu for a second term. Unconfirmed reports suggested that during the meeting, Tinubu instructed state governors not to oppose the re-election bids of current lawmakers.

However, the issue has exposed divisions within the party. Some governors, particularly from the South West and South East, are said to be resisting the idea, fearing it could undermine their political influence. According to insider accounts, a few governors—particularly those who inherited existing lawmakers after winning off-cycle elections—have aligned with this opposition stance.

Despite this, other APC governors have expressed caution, reportedly acknowledging the president’s strategic reasoning and choosing not to challenge his position on the matter.

In the midst of the conflicting narratives, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka, issued a firm rebuttal on Tuesday, labeling the reports as entirely false.

“The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a purported breaking news story titled ‘APC Grants Automatic Tickets to All National Assembly Members,’” Morka said in an official statement.

“The report is fake news and should be disregarded in full. It did not originate from our great party,” he added.

The APC urged party members and the public to treat the claims as misinformation aimed at sowing confusion within the party ranks.