A growing faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has advocated for granting automatic re-nomination tickets to federal lawmakers for the 2027 general elections to bolster President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, as discussed at a party caucus meeting in Abuja on May 31, 2025.
Proponents, led by APC National Vice Chairman (South-West) Isaac Kekemeke, argue that loyal senators and House members, who have defended Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, are critical to countering opposition coalitions reportedly forming among figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. The strategy aims to ensure a unified legislative front, avoiding primary contests that could fracture party cohesion, as seen in 2019 when internal rivalries cost APC seats.
The proposal highlights lawmakers’ role in passing reforms like the Petroleum Industry Act and securing $24 billion in oil investments since 2023. Supporters claim automatic tickets would reward loyalty, with 70% of APC’s 69 senators and 180 House members consistently backing Tinubu’s policies, including the 2025 budget and local government autonomy.
However, critics within the party, including former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani, argue it undermines democracy, stifling fresh talent and rewarding underperformers. Public sentiment, reflected in online debates, is mixed, with some Nigerians accusing APC of prioritizing politics over governance amid 40% inflation and unemployment. The move follows Tinubu’s allies rejecting opposition merger talks, with figures like Orji Kalu urging detractors to “jump into the Atlantic.” No formal decision has been made, as APC’s National Executive Committee is set to deliberate in July 2025, balancing party unity with grassroots demands for open primaries. The push underscores Tinubu’s strategic maneuvering to consolidate power as 2027 approaches.