Abuja – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that its 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all interested aspirants, despite widespread endorsements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by its organs and state chapters.
The party’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu, stated this while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
Tinubu Endorsed, But Process Still Democratic
Argungu confirmed that the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, and party leaders across all six geopolitical zones had endorsed President Tinubu for a second term.
However, he stressed that the endorsement did not shut the door against other aspirants.
“It will be the wish of the party, and we, the NWC, have endorsed President Tinubu as our preferred candidate. But democracy does not permit dictatorship. Anyone who wishes to contest will still be allowed to purchase forms and exercise their right,” he explained.
Party Assures Transparency and Inclusiveness
The Organising Secretary assured that the APC would strictly follow the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He also dismissed speculations that the party’s Organising Department was being sidelined, saying innovations introduced since 2022 had strengthened teamwork and transparency in primaries.
By-Election Victories Boost Party Confidence
Argungu highlighted APC’s victories in recent bye-elections held in traditionally PDP-controlled states, describing them as proof of Nigerians’ growing faith in the party’s progressive agenda and President Tinubu’s leadership.
“The fact that we can secure victory in PDP states shows that Nigerians believe in our manifesto and the direction of this government,” he said.
Ekiti Governorship Primaries Open to All
On the upcoming governorship primary election in Ekiti State, Argungu clarified that no aspirant had been excluded.
“So far, four aspirants, including the serving governor, have purchased forms. Two are men, while two are women, who benefited from our gender-sensitive policy of free nomination forms for female aspirants,” he stated.