A significant internal conflict is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as reports emerge of plans to grant automatic return tickets to current National Assembly members for the 2027 general elections. This proposed move, reportedly backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is facing strong opposition from several governors within the ruling party who are actively working to undermine it.
Sources close to Leadership indicate that two governors, one from the South East and another from the South West, are spearheading efforts to block this automatic ticket arrangement in their respective states. This contentious issue is expected to be brought before the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, shortly after the Sallah holidays in Abuja.
The President's perceived involvement has created a divide among the governors. While some APC governors have adopted a cautious approach, hesitant to openly defy the arrangement, others remain staunchly opposed. Senator Hope Uzodimma, the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and governor of Imo State, through his Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku, stated his intent to align with the party's ultimate decision on the automatic ticket. However, he clarified that this stance was strictly his own and did not represent the views of other APC governors.
On the other hand, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has publicly supported the idea of returning performing lawmakers. During a recent endorsement event for President Tinubu's second term, Ganduje questioned the high turnover of legislators, emphasizing the importance of "institutional memory." He suggested that even if not by law, the party should use "advocacy" to encourage "very active" and "movers" among legislators to return.
However, the rift among governors is widening. A source within the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) revealed that not all South West governors are against the automatic ticket plan, with two explicitly stating they are not part of any "rebellion." They believe that the President's decision might be based on "strategic reasons" and should not be challenged by governors. Insiders suggest this push for automatic tickets is a broader strategy to solidify the President's influence within the APC, prevent internal disputes that could lead to lawsuits during party primaries, and ensure legislative continuity.
Despite the strategic justifications, not everyone in the APC is on board. In Ondo State, an APC chieftain and former Niger Delta agitator have openly threatened to support opposition parties if automatic tickets are imposed on federal lawmakers from their constituencies. Reports from the past weekend even indicated that this party leader vowed to sponsor rival candidates against the incumbent senator and House of Representatives member should the controversial plan proceed.
Adding to the internal tensions, Barrister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, a former Minister of Environment under President Buhari and former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, has resigned from the APC. Abdullahi submitted his resignation to the APC chairman in his Uke Ward, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, citing "personal reasons" and extending well wishes to the party.
