APC 2027 presidential ticket will be open to all members, says Argungu, despite widespread endorsements for President Tinubu ahead of the polls.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, declaring that its 2027 presidential ticket will remain open to all qualified members.
This comes even as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to enjoy sweeping endorsements across the country from party organs, elected officials, and political stakeholders.
The announcement was made by APC’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, during a press briefing at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
The media conference was convened to celebrate the party’s recent string of victories in legislative bye-elections across several states.
Argungu underscored that the APC’s position sets it apart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which in 2014 restricted its presidential race exclusively to then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
At the time, the PDP printed only one presidential nomination form, thereby shutting the door to other aspirants.
“The APC is different. We are a democratic party, and our platform allows every member the freedom to aspire,” Argungu said.
“No individual will be denied the opportunity to test their popularity. Unlike what happened in 2014 under the PDP, we are committed to inclusivity.”
While reaffirming that President Tinubu has received resounding support from multiple quarters, including the APC National Working Committee (NWC), state governors, and political leaders across the six geopolitical zones, Argungu stressed that such endorsements will not prevent others from contesting if they so desire.
“The aspiration of the people will be the wish of the party..
“As leaders of the party today, the NWC has endorsed President Tinubu, and other organs have done the same.
“But this does not mean that the process is closed,” he clarified.
He further explained that the APC will, at the appropriate time, release its primary election timetable, during which interested aspirants can formally declare their interest by purchasing nomination forms.
“We will not deny anyone the right to participate, we will provide equal opportunity for every member who has the ambition to lead Nigeria,” Argungu assured.
During the briefing, the APC leadership also used the occasion to highlight its electoral strength, pointing to recent wins in federal and state constituency bye-elections across Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Taraba, and Zamfara States.
According to Argungu, these victories reflect more than numerical gains. They represent a broader vote of confidence in the APC’s leadership and policies under President Tinubu’s administration.
“These victories are not mere statistics; they are a reaffirmation of the trust Nigerians continue to place in the APC.
“They symbolize resilience, strength, and the growing acceptance of our party nationwide.
“They also show that Nigerians believe in our ability to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance,” he declared.
The APC maintained that its government remains focused on improving the welfare of citizens, strengthening national security, and creating opportunities for economic prosperity.
Argungu reassured Nigerians that the party would continue to listen to the people and ensure that governance reflects their yearnings.
“We are confident that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is on the path to progress.
“However, our democratic system within the party ensures that no voice is silenced, and every member has the right to aspire,” he added.
The APC’s decision to keep the 2027 presidential race open is likely to further strengthen its democratic image and prevent internal discontent among members with presidential ambitions.
Political observers note that while Tinubu is currently the overwhelming favorite, the party’s openness could avert potential divisions that might arise from shutting out other aspirants prematurely.
By balancing loyalty to President Tinubu with a commitment to inclusivity, the APC appears intent on projecting itself as a party that values both leadership stability and internal democracy.