A new wave of turmoil in Nigeria's APC as Tinubu's second term endorsement sparks strife
Political Division Surfaces Within APC Due to Tinubu's Endorsement and Promise of Automatic Nominations
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is stepping into murky waters, as the early endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027 by top party officials has unleashed a whirlwind of discontent and speculation.
This contentious move, driven by PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has stirred the hornet's nest amongst party loyalists and raised questions about automatic ticket promises for select lawmakers.
The rising anticipation of guaranteed tickets for certain politicians has provided fertile ground for tensions to surface, particularly in states like Delta, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire PDP structure recently defected to the APC.
Distrust among longtime APC members is palpable, with some questioning whether the party will overthrow the "landlords" for newcomers, as the Guardian reports. Meanwhile, defectors from opposition parties are elbowing their way to the front of the line, claiming loyalty and service as their ticket to automatic re-nomination. However, APC grassroots members fiercely advocate for fair and competitive primaries.
APC Denies Granting Automatic Tickets
In response to mounting concerns, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, swiftly disputed the rumors, labeling the allegations of automatic tickets as "fake news."
Morka stated emphatically, "This report is false, and should be ignored in its entirety, as it did not originate from our party." He emphasized that the APC remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness and transparency.
Despite the party's public denial, industry insiders and keen observers note that lobbying efforts by select lawmakers, particularly those loyal to Tinubu, have escalated in private circles.
Prince Hilliard Eta, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), summed up the sentiment, "The President has done well; whoever seeks another term should present their track record for assessment by party members." He pointed out that some members have nothing substantial to show for their time in office.
CUPP Expresses Concern and Criticism
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has taken issue with the APC's internal handling of the automatic ticket controversy. In a statement released by National Secretary Peter Ameh, CUPP asserted that such practices are undemocratic and disenfranchise other party members, stifling the aspirations of deserving candidates.
"The APC's record of offering automatic tickets to defectors is evidence of political hypocrisy and exclusion," the statement read.
Mamora: A Wait-and-See Situation
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, ushered a cautious approach, suggesting that each case would be handled on a case-by-case basis. He believed the APC leadership has the capabilities to mediate any tensions that may arise from the automatic ticket issue.
Threat of APC Implosion from the Labour Party
Tanko Yunusa, a high-ranking Labour Party official and Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, predicted a potential implosion within the APC.
"They've taken on more than they can chew. This is the beginning of the implosion that is bound to happen in that party," Yunusa warned the Guardian.
He accused the APC of prioritizing selfish politics, particularly with the hasty endorsement of Tinubu for 2027. He also slammed the party for an inability to manage the ambitions of its growing membership.
Yunusa defended the Labour Party's approach under Peter Obi, stating that unlike the APC, LP has never barred any member from contesting primaries. He asserted, "Unlike the APC, LP has always encouraged competition."
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- The Endorsement of Tinubu for a second term by top APC officials has sparked discontent within the party, with some questioning the promises of automatic tickets for select lawmakers.
- Former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Prince Hilliard Eta, has suggested that any politician seeking another term should present their track record for assessment by party members.
- The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has expressed concern and criticism over the APC's internal handling of the automatic ticket controversy, claiming it to be undemocratic and stifling the aspirations of deserving candidates.
- Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, has suggested a cautious approach, believing the APC leadership has the capability to mediate any tensions arising from the automatic ticket issue.
- A high-ranking Labour Party official, Tanko Yunusa, has predicted a potential implosion within the APC, accusing them of prioritizing selfish politics and being unable to manage the ambitions of its growing membership.
- The Labour Party, under Peter Obi, has been defended by Yunusa for its approach, which encourages competition and never bars any member from contesting primaries.
