APC Opens 2027 Presidential Ticket to Contest, Says Tinubu Endorsement Not Automatic

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that no aspirant will be barred from contesting its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, despite the party’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

The party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, made the clarification during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, stressing that the APC remains committed to internal democracy and open competition.

According to him, the endorsement of Tinubu by party leaders does not translate into an automatic ticket, as the primary process will remain open to all interested members.

“We will definitely not close our doors to other presidential aspirants,” Argungu said. “Anybody who wants to aspire for the presidency under APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.”

He added, “We never said we had locked the door. We are only telling people that we appreciate what the President is doing… and that he deserves a second term.”

Argungu explained that while the party’s National Working Committee, governors, and National Assembly leadership had backed Tinubu’s re-election bid, such support was based on his “outstanding performance” and does not override democratic procedures.

The APC official also dismissed suggestions that the ruling party might adopt a sole-candidate approach similar to past practices in other parties, insisting that aspirants would be free to test their popularity through primaries.

The development comes amid early political manoeuvring ahead of 2027, with both ruling and opposition camps already positioning for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race.