The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy by declaring that, despite endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election remains open to all aspirants.
At a press briefing held on Wednesday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, National Organising Secretary Alhaji Sulaiman Mohammed Argungu clarified that endorsements from the National Working Committee (NWC), the Progressive Governors Forum, and National Assembly leadership—notably groups under the likes of Senator Hope Uzodinma and Senator Godswill Akpabio—were expressions of support for President Tinubu’s performance rather than an exclusionary barrier.Pulse NigeriaTribune OnlineVanguard News
Argungu emphasized that the party firmly rejects any notion of shutting its doors to competition. He stated:
“We never said we had locked the door… Anybody who wants to aspire for the presidency under the APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms… Democracy does not permit dictatorship.”Vanguard NewsLegit.ng – Nigeria news.
He further insisted the APC will adhere strictly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable and the provisions outlined in the Electoral Act to ensure a credible and inclusive primary election.Vanguard NewsLegit.ng – Nigeria news.
Addressing the concern about the printing of only a single nomination form—a tactic seen in previous elections as a way to stifle competition—Argungu dismissed such claims, assuring that multiple forms will be printed to guarantee fairness.Tribune OnlineThe Will News
Highlighting recent electoral successes, Argungu pointed to the party’s victories in by-elections across traditionally opposition-controlled constituencies as evidence of growing public confidence in both the APC and President Tinubu’s progressive agenda.
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