By Erewunmi Peace

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will automatically receive the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Wednesday, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, stated that while President Tinubu has enjoyed endorsements from various APC leaders, the party remains committed to internal democracy and will allow a competitive primary process.

“There is no provision in our constitution for an automatic ticket. Any qualified member of our party who wishes to contest is free to do so,” Argungu said.

He stressed that the APC will release a detailed timetable for its primaries at the appropriate time, adding that all interested aspirants will be given a level playing field.

This clarification comes amid recent public endorsements of President Tinubu by some APC stakeholders, fueling speculations that the ruling party might reserve the ticket for him. However, the leadership has now assured that the 2027 presidential race within APC remains open to all aspirants.

The APC had faced similar scenarios in the past, where incumbent leaders sought re-election. Political analysts believe this latest statement underscores the party’s effort to uphold democratic values amid rising internal and external expectations ahead of 2027.