The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that it has granted automatic tickets to current National Assembly members, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to contest in the 2027 general elections.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka issued a statement on Tuesday debunking the reports, labeling them as false and misleading, urging party members and the general public to disregard the circulating claims.
“The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a purported breaking news report titled ‘APC Grants Automatic Tickets to All National Assembly Members.’
We urge all party members and the general public to disregard the report as FAKE and of mischievous origin,” Morka said.
The clarification comes amid internal tension within the party, with reports of unease over possible automatic tickets sparking concern among members, particularly in the Progressives Governors’ Forum. Some governors are reportedly opposed to the idea and are expected to meet with APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje to express their reservations.
While some governors, particularly from the Southwest, have called for a measured approach, citing the origin of the automatic ticket proposal as the Presidential Villa, others have taken firm positions against it.
At a recent meeting with APC stakeholders from the North-Central, where President Bola Tinubu was endorsed for a second term, Ganduje hinted at the party’s inclination to support active lawmakers returning in 2027.
“Why are we having a high turnover of legislators? After four years, you see them out. That doesn’t encourage institutional memory.
If we can’t mandate it by law, we can push for it through advocacy,” Ganduje said.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue between the party leadership and National Assembly heads to ensure that high-performing lawmakers can retain their seats, suggesting a merit-based approach rather than blanket endorsements.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, through his Chief Press Secretary Oguwike Nwachuku, said he would support whatever decision the party makes regarding automatic tickets.
“Governor Uzodimma is a loyal party man and will align with the party’s decision on this matter,” Nwachuku said.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom, the APC is focusing on internal unity and strategic expansion ahead of potential defections from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). South-South Zonal Secretary of the APC, Dr. Ita Udosen, has urged party members to avoid division and embrace new entrants, possibly including Governor Umo Eno.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Uyo Senatorial District APC Forum at Senator Bassey Akpan’s country home in Ibiono Ibom LGA, Udosen emphasized unity as essential for the party’s future success.
“Let’s open our doors to incoming defectors. This is not the time for factionalism. Unity is what will guarantee our victory,” Udosen said.
He clarified that the Uyo Senatorial District Stakeholders Forum (USDSF) is not a rival to the party structure but a complementary platform aimed at strengthening the APC at the grassroots level.
Senator Bassey Akpan, host of the event, backed the forum as a unifying body for the district.
“This forum is the strongest political group in our senatorial district. We must dismantle factionalism and build a united APC that works for everyone,” he stated.
Prof. Chris Ekong, Chairman of the Forum, reiterated that the USDSF was established to end internal rifts and reposition the APC for greater relevance and unity in Akwa Ibom politics.
