2027: We Won’t Block Aspirants from Challenging Tinubu – APC

2027: We Won’t Block Aspirants from Challenging Tinubu – APC

•Party Hails By-Election Victories

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys widespread endorsement across party structures ahead of the 2027 presidential election, no aspirant will be denied the opportunity to contest for the ticket.

Addressing journalists at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu, stressed that democracy thrives on open participation and the party would not operate a closed shop.

“There is no dictation or dictatorship in democracy. The aspiration of the people will be the wish of the party. Yes, the National Working Committee (NWC) and many other organs of our party have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027, but that does not mean that the door is closed.

“When the time comes, we will release our timetable for primaries like we always do, and anyone who wishes to aspire under the platform of our great party will not be denied that opportunity. We have never said at any time that the process is shut. We only continue to express appreciation for the good work the President is doing for Nigeria,” Argungu declared.

Argungu hailed the outcome of the August 16 legislative by-elections, where the APC clinched 13 out of 16 seats across 12 states. He described the victories as a strong vote of confidence  in the ruling party.

“These victories are not just statistics; they demonstrate the strength, resilience, and growing acceptance of our party nationwide. They reflect the belief of Nigerians in our capacity to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance,” he said.

The constituencies won by the APC include Adamawa (Ganye State Constituency), Edo (Ovia Federal Constituency and Edo Central Senatorial District), Jigawa (Babura-Garki Federal Constituency), Kaduna (Zaria Kewaye, Basawa, and Chikun/Kajuru), Kano (Ghari/Tsanyawa), Kogi (Okura), Niger (Munya), Ogun (Remo), Taraba (Karim Lamido), and Zamfara (Kaura Namoda South).

Argungu noted that winning in PDP-controlled states such as Taraba and Edo was proof of the party’s penetration ahead of 2027.

“If we can win elections in states not governed by the APC, it shows Nigerians are satisfied with the Renewed Hope Agenda and are increasingly aligning with our manifesto,” he said.

On the forthcoming Ekiti governorship primaries, Argungu assured that the contest would be transparent. He confirmed that four aspirants, including Governor Biodun Oyebanji, had purchased nomination forms.

“As far as I know, four people have bought the forms; two men and two women. Because of our gender-sensitive policy, the women paid only N10 million while the men paid N50 million. Nobody has been denied participation. The process is open, guided by the Electoral Act and our party’s constitution,” he explained.

He dismissed rumours of Governor Oyebanji leaving the APC.

“I can’t imagine a governor spending N50 million to buy a form only to defect. To where? To the dying PDP or to a mushroom party? That is laughable,” he said.

Argungu highlighted reforms in the party’s organizing department since 2022, noting that for the first time, the offices of the National Organizing Secretary and Deputy National Organizing Secretary were created and run as a team.

“We want to demonstrate to the NWC and to Nigerians that teamwork is at the heart of what we do. Every process, from primaries to congresses is transparent and inclusive. Anybody at the secretariat can tell you what is happening in our organizing department at any time. That is how we build trust,” he said.

Responding to allegations by the opposition that APC relied on security operatives and coercion during the by-elections, Argungu dismissed the claims as “laughable.”

“The opposition are free to say whatever they like, particularly the PDP that is already gasping for survival. Nigerians are drifting to the APC in large numbers because of their faith in President Tinubu’s leadership. Nobody is being coerced. People join us out of appreciation for what the APC is doing,” he said.

He added that the party’s campaigns were issue-based. “Rather than engage in vote-buying, our new national chairman personally led campaigns across states to encourage our people and mobilize support. We believe in open democracy, not manipulation,” he said.

The APC, according to Argungu, will soon convene an interactive session with its elected lawmakers at both federal and state levels.

“This session will help us share ideas, chart a common course, and align with the expectations of Nigerians,” he explained.

He concluded with a note of confidence: “The task ahead is enormous, but with discipline, loyalty, and unity, we will deliver more victories for the APC and progress for Nigeria.”