Top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have made it clear that governors who recently defected to the party will not receive automatic election tickets as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Party officials say that all aspirants, regardless of status or when they joined, must contest and win their nominations through democratic processes.

The decision affects several high-profile governors who have switched allegiances in recent months. These include Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, all of whom officially joined the APC. Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf — widely expected to defect soon — will also fall under the same rule when he joins.

APC Emphasizes Internal Democracy

A senior member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), speaking on condition of anonymity, underscored that defecting from another party does not automatically guarantee a party ticket. The leadership says the APC is built on democratic values, and every member must earn the right to represent the party in elections through open contests among party members.

APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, reinforced this stance, stressing that the party is committed to providing a level playing field. He noted that even President Bola Tinubu would not be automatically granted a ticket should he choose to run again, despite support from party leaders. Instead, every aspirant must go through the party’s nomination process.

Bala Ibrahim explained that while the APC had expressed confidence in some leaders because of their performance, this does not preclude other members from participating in the contest. He said the leadership supports internal consensus where possible, but that does not translate into guaranteed tickets.

Reactions from Opposition Parties

Opposition parties have reacted strongly to the APC’s announcement. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) publicised its view that many defectors joined the APC for personal gain and re-election ambitions, rather than in the interests of their constituents. PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong said defectors would likely feel marginalised, insisting the APC does not truly value its members and “automatic ticket” expectations will not be met.

Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) described the defections as driven by unfulfilled promises. NNPP publicity secretary Oladipo Johnson said that defecting governors and politicians had been tempted into the ruling party with assurances unlikely to be delivered, such as guaranteed re-election positions.