-Special Report-
APC Endorses Tinubu for 2027, But Keeps Presidential Primaries Open
In a move that has stirred both celebration and speculation across Nigeria’s political landscape, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office. The endorsement, announced by key party organs including the National Working Committee, the Progressives Governors Forum led by Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the National Assembly leadership under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was framed as a recognition of Tinubu’s leadership and achievements since assuming office in 2023.
However,
in a surprising twist that underscores the party’s commitment to internal
democracy, APC’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Mohammad Argungu,
clarified that the endorsement does not amount to an automatic ticket for
Tinubu. Speaking at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Argungu
emphasized that the 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all interested
aspirants. He stated unequivocally that “anybody who wants to aspire for the
presidency under the APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the
expression of interest and nomination forms to exercise their franchise”.
Argungu
dismissed comparisons to the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2014 approach, when
then-President Goodluck Jonathan was presented as the sole aspirant. He
insisted that APC would not replicate such a strategy, reinforcing the party’s
stance on competitive primaries. “We never said we had locked the door,” he
said. “We are only telling people that we appreciate what the President is doing
for the people of the country and that he deserves a second term in office when
we roundly endorsed him recently”.
The
endorsement has sparked reactions from opposition figures and political
analysts alike. While some view it as a strategic consolidation of power within
the APC, others argue that it may discourage new entrants from challenging the
incumbent. Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has already
voiced his intent to contest, claiming he knows how to defeat Tinubu. In
response, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reminded
Amaechi of his loss to Tinubu in the 2022 APC primaries, calling it a
“merciless defeat”.
Meanwhile,
the APC continues to tout its recent electoral successes, having secured 13 out
of 16 contested seats in recent by-elections. Argungu attributed these
victories to divine grace and grassroots loyalty, describing them as a
reaffirmation of public trust in the ruling party.
As
Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the APC’s dual message, endorsement
of Tinubu and openness to competition, sets the stage for what could be a
dynamic and unpredictable political contest. Whether this balancing act will
foster unity or fuel internal rivalry remains to be seen.
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