By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced it will not bar members from contesting the 2027 presidential ticket against President Bola Tinubu.

Although there is strong internal support for the President’s second term, the party insists the race remains open. This decision aims to uphold democratic principles and ensure all members have a fair opportunity to compete.

Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Chidi Duru stated that the APC remains a democratic institution that cannot legally or morally shut out contenders.

While the party often moves toward a consensus, Duru clarified that any member is welcome to test their popularity in the primary process. He emphasized that internal democracy is a core pillar of the party’s operations.

Duru explained the “right of first refusal,” noting that incumbents who perform well are typically prioritized for re-election. He suggested that if a leader delivers on their mandate, the party is naturally inclined to present them to the electorate again.

However, this preference does not automatically bypass the standard primary process required for all aspirants.

The leadership stressed that performance is the ultimate factor in determining a candidate’s viability for 2027. Duru warned that if a candidate fails to meet public expectations, the party risks losing the general election by simply retaining them.

Therefore, support for Tinubu remains tied to his achievements and his ability to secure a majority vote.

This open-contest policy also applies to governors and other elected officials seeking a second term. The APC maintains that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of incumbents to run again if they have served creditably. By encouraging internal competition, the party hopes to field only the most capable and popular candidates for all offices.

The APC plans to further deliberate on these internal mechanisms and strategic goals during its upcoming national convention. The event is scheduled to take place in Abuja from March 27 to March 28, 2026. This gathering will be crucial in setting the party’s direction as it begins formal preparations for the next electoral cycle.