The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that no member will be barred from contesting its 2027 presidential ticket, even after the party endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Chidi Duru, said that while the APC may favor a consensus candidate, it remains open to aspirants willing to test their popularity.
“It is not certain that we will reach a consensus. That reflects the APC’s democratic nature. But if a member wants to contest, they are more than welcome,” he said.
Duru added that, in line with democratic norms, incumbent leaders often have an advantage when seeking re-election, especially if party members and structures are satisfied with their performance.
He explained that the party’s “right of first refusal” principle is linked to performance and the need for candidates who align with the party’s ideology and manifesto.
“The reason for this, which I have consistently advocated, is that political parties must ensure their candidates fully uphold the party’s ideology and manifesto. If they do, they earn the right of first refusal and are presented to the electorate.
“But if they are unpopular or fail to meet citizens’ expectations, the party cannot risk fielding them for office, whether legislative or executive, as this could cost the election. This principle ensures accountability and performance,” he said.
On whether the consensus approach could apply to governorship and other elective offices, Duru expressed support for allowing incumbents to seek a second term.
“My view is that executives completing a first term should be granted the right of first refusal. This ensures that officeholders remain accountable to the party’s mandate, knowing that re-election is possible if they perform well.
“This approach keeps the party vigilant and incentivizes leaders to deliver. Failure to meet expectations means losing the election, which reinforces the first right of refusal,” he added.
Responding to concerns that automatic tickets could cause internal friction, Duru pointed to constitutional provisions allowing second-term bids.
“The constitution permits governors and the president to run for a second term. Party members understand that this provision makes second-term bids legitimate,” he said.
Duru’s remarks come ahead of the APC’s national convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026, in Abuja.
In preparation, the party’s National Working Committee confirmed the existing zoning arrangement for leadership positions to maintain balance and prevent internal disputes.
National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka affirmed that the current power-sharing formula across the six geopolitical zones will remain in place.
Under the arrangement:
National Chairman: North-Central (micro-zoned to Plateau)
Deputy National Chairman (North): North-East (micro-zoned to Borno)
Deputy National Chairman (South): micro-zoned to Enugu
National Secretary: South-West (Osun)
Assistant National Secretary: North-Central (Nasarawa)
National Treasurer: Ebonyi
National Organising Secretary: Kebbi
Deputy National Organising Secretary: Anambra
National Women Leader: Edo
National Youth Leader: Lagos
National Leader of Persons With Disabilities: Ogun
Party sources say the zoning reaffirmation is aimed at ensuring continuity and cohesion as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections.
