By Peter Omopo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that its 2027 presidential ticket remains open to all aspirants, despite the widespread endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
APC’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Mohammad Argungu, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
He explained that while the party’s leadership—including the National Working Committee (NWC), the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and the National Assembly leadership under Senate President Godswill Akpabio—had endorsed Tinubu in recognition of his “outstanding performance,” the APC would not shut its doors against other aspirants.
“When the time comes, our timetable will be made known. Anybody who wants to aspire for the presidency under the APC will not be denied the opportunity to purchase the expression of interest and nomination forms,” Argungu said.
“We never said we had locked the door. We are only telling people that we appreciate what the President is doing and that he deserves a second term in office.”
The clarification followed concerns that the APC might adopt a strategy similar to that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014, when the party reserved its presidential ticket exclusively for then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Party Performance
Speaking on the APC’s recent electoral performance, Argungu attributed the party’s victory in 13 out of 16 by-elections to “the grace of Almighty Allah” and the commitment of its leaders, members, and supporters nationwide.
He said the outcome demonstrated Nigerians’ continued trust in the ruling party.
“These victories are not just statistics; they reaffirm the confidence Nigerians place in the APC, and they reflect belief in our capacity to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance,” he added.
The ruling party is expected to release its official timetable for the 2027 primaries in the coming months.
