APC PRIMARIES: TINUBU REAFFIRMS GOVERNORS’ AUTHORITY OVER CANDIDATE SELECTION
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has turned down attempts by Senate leaders to secure automatic return tickets for incumbent lawmakers of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, instead reaffirming that state governors will play a decisive role in determining party candidates in their states, according to The Media reports.
The President reinforced this stance by formally authorising governors to oversee the party’s primary elections after meeting with them on Thursday evening.
Sources indicate that Tinubu’s position has heightened concerns among federal lawmakers, particularly senators whose relationships with their state governors are strained.
He reportedly made this clear during a closed-door meeting with the extended Senate leadership at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.
Earlier signals from Tinubu suggesting he would support the return of serving legislators had raised expectations within the National Assembly, prompting senators to seek firm assurances.
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However, insiders said the President was unequivocal in rejecting their request, stressing that governors remain the political leaders of the party at the state level and must influence candidate selection.
“The senators pushed for automatic tickets in the interest of continuity, but the President made it clear that governors must have a say,” a source said.
The meeting, attended by key figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was not listed on the President’s official schedule.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele later confirmed the gathering, describing it as a strategic session on urgent national matters.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also acknowledged the meeting as a consultation between Tinubu and Senate leadership.
Less than a day later, Tinubu held a separate meeting with APC governors, where he formally empowered them to conduct party primaries in line with the Electoral Act—either through consensus or direct voting.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said the President gave governors the authority to proceed with the process, while Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq noted that discussions focused on ensuring transparent and peaceful primaries.
Tinubu’s position aligns with that of APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, who recently stated that automatic tickets are not recognised under the party’s constitution or the Electoral Act, stressing that performance—not incumbency—will determine candidates.
Meanwhile, the APC has released its revised timetable for the 2027 primaries, with Senate primaries scheduled for May 18, 2026, and the presidential primary set for May 23.
The development could affect the political fortunes of several lawmakers, particularly those facing opposition from their state governors, potentially leading to significant changes in the composition of the National Assembly ahead of the elections.
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