The All Progressives Congress has announced that its presidential nomination for the 2027 election will be open to all eligible members, despite growing endorsements for President Bola Tinubu to run for a second term.
The party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, made the declaration during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr Argungu contrasted the APC’s approach with that of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2014, when it printed only one presidential nomination form for then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
“In 2014, the PDP printed a single presidential nomination form for Goodluck Jonathan, shutting others out but the APC is a democratic party. We allow our members to express themselves,” he stated.
The official acknowledged that while the party’s National Working Committee, state organs, and several zones have endorsed President Tinubu, this does not automatically guarantee him the nomination. He emphasised the party’s commitment to internal democracy and fair competition.
“The aspiration of the people would be the wish of the party. Yes, the National Working Committee (NWC), state organs, and many zones have endorsed President Tinubu. But that does not mean the door is closed,” Mr Argungu explained. “When the time comes, our timetable will be released, and anyone who wishes to aspire under the APC will be allowed to purchase nomination forms.”
The briefing also served to highlight the APC’s recent successes in legislative by-elections across several states. Mr Argungu described these victories as proof of growing public confidence in both the party and President Tinubu’s leadership.
Regarding the upcoming Ekiti governorship primary, Mr Argungu confirmed that incumbent Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and three other aspirants had purchased nomination forms. He emphasised the transparency of the process, noting that two female aspirants benefited from the party’s reduced fee for women candidates.
Mr Argungu dismissed speculation about Governor Oyebanji potentially defecting to another party, calling such talk illogical. “I can’t imagine somebody, even if he is a governor, spending N50 million to purchase forms and then, while about to submit, defect to another party. To go where? To the dead PDP or to the new ADC? This is not possible,” he added.
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