The All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently grappling with mounting pressure from federal lawmakers and state governors over demands for automatic tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports indicate that senators and members of the House of Representatives are pushing for guaranteed return tickets to secure their seats, while some outgoing governors are also seeking the party’s senatorial tickets.
According to Daily Trust, party insiders say several meetings are ongoing within the ruling party as its leadership tries to manage the situation and prevent internal crises before the party primaries.
The leadership of the National Assembly has reportedly advocated for the adoption of automatic tickets for serving lawmakers.
According to reports, the demand was raised during the party’s last convention at Eagle Square in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the APC caucuses in both chambers, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, argued that granting return tickets to performing legislators would help sustain reforms championed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“The stability of the legislature is critical to sustaining the reform process. Automatic tickets will allow lawmakers to focus on delivering on their mandate without the distractions of internal party contests,” Abbas said.
He noted that the National Assembly has played a key role in advancing major fiscal and electoral reforms aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also expressed support for the proposal, aligning with the position that legislative continuity would strengthen the reform agenda of the current administration.
Supporters of the plan argue that automatic tickets would promote policy stability and effective governance, particularly during a period of significant economic reforms.
In response to the growing debate, the APC leadership recently held a closed-door meeting with members of the House of Representatives caucus.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted about four hours, was attended by around 230 lawmakers.
Present at the session were the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, no final decision was reached during the meeting, although the party leadership assured lawmakers that their concerns would be considered.
“The party is in a dilemma. This is because there are members who recently defected to the party whose interests must also be considered where necessary,” the source said.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are said to be worried about attempts by some state governors to block their return to the National Assembly.
Sources revealed that certain governors, reportedly nursing political grievances, are pushing to replace some lawmakers or are planning to contest the same seats themselves.
Party insiders say the development has heightened tensions within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Another source within the party said the disagreement may also be linked to a rumored arrangement in which state governors would determine candidates for State Assembly seats, while the President would influence the selection of federal lawmakers.
However, the party leadership is said to be awaiting final clearance from President Bola Tinubu before adopting any official position on the automatic ticket demand.