2027: APC Rules Out Automatic Tickets for Defecting Governors

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sent a clear signal to high-profile defectors ahead of the 2027 general elections: there will be no “gold-plated” paths to re-election.

Hence, top power brokers within the ruling party have officially ruled out the possibility of granting automatic tickets to governors who recently crossed over from opposition ranks.

This decision directly impacts several governors who have recently sought refuge under the “broom” logo.

Among those affected are Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

According to information from sources reaching POLITICS NIGERIA, it indicates that the same rule will apply to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose official defection to the APC is widely rumored to be imminent.

Moreover, a prominent member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), speaking on the condition of anonymity, clarified that joining the party does not confer an immediate right to a return ticket.

The official emphasized that the APC is built on a foundation of internal democracy and that every member, regardless of their status or the timing of their entry, must submit to the party’s primary processes.

Backing this stance, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the party as a “progressive and democratic” institution. He stressed that the leadership is committed to ensuring a level playing field where all members can exercise their rights without fear of exclusion or favoritism.

“The issue of automatic tickets is not something that is on the table now, not just for Kano but for anybody,” Ibrahim stated. He further noted that even President Bola Tinubu, despite the massive support he enjoys within the party, has not been handed an automatic ticket.

Nonetheless, the mass exodus of governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has not gone without a sharp rebuke from their former camps. National Publicity Secretaries Ini Ememobong (PDP) and Oladipo Johnson (NNPP) have both dismissed the moves as “selfish” and “driven by re-election fears.”

Ememobong argued that the defectors would soon face disappointment, claiming the APC would continue to treat them as “outsiders.”

Similarly, Johnson noted that the APC often lures politicians with promises that are rarely fulfilled, leaving them “frustrated” when their political ambitions hit the brick wall of party realities.

The wave of defections has seen several South-South and South-East governors move to the APC, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Peter Mbah (Enugu). They join a growing list of National Assembly members and former ministers who claim their move is inspired by President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

However, the APC has maintained that while it welcomes new members, the “ticket” to lead must be earned through the ballots of party members.

In a related development, the APC leadership recently dismissed rumors regarding automatic slots for National Assembly members, asserting that the selection process for 2027 remains strictly open and competitive.

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