Agboje Chuks
ABUJA — In a move set to reshape the 2027 electoral landscape, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly signaled its intent to grant automatic return tickets to first-term governors and members of the National Assembly.
While an official communiqué is still pending, insider sources and recent political optics strongly suggest the party leadership has opted for a “right of first refusal” strategy to maintain internal stability.
Political analysts point back to a significant soundbite from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a recent budget presentation.
In a notable slip—or perhaps a calculated reveal—the President referred to the current body as the “11th Assembly.”
When corrected, Tinubu quipped that the remark was a prophecy of their inevitable return to the red and green chambers, fueling speculation of a high-level backroom deal to protect incumbents.
This development has triggered a wave of cross-carpeting, with several opposition lawmakers reportedly jumping ship to the ruling party to secure their legislative futures.
Speculation is mounting regarding people who were high-profile opposition figures, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, with indication suggesting reason for his alignment or defection to leverage this incumbency shield.
While speaking with long standing APC members, they noted that by bypassing competitive primaries, the APC NWC appears to be prioritizing party cohesion over grassroots contestation to avoid the internal friction typically seen during election cycles.
Another source revealed to our reporter that the “automatic ticket” policy serves to reward loyalty, but may face pushback from party aspirants currently warming up for the primary season.
