By Mercy Adi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected mounting pressure from the leadership of the Senate to grant automatic return tickets to serving federal lawmakers, instead reaffirming the supremacy of state governors in determining candidates for the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development, which has unsettled many lawmakers in the National Assembly, came after a series of high-level meetings at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the President made it clear that the party’s structure at the state level would dictate the outcome of primaries.
Investigations revealed that the controversy began during a closed-door meeting on Wednesday between Tinubu and the extended leadership of the Senate. The lawmakers had reportedly sought assurances from the President to secure automatic tickets for incumbent legislators, citing the need for continuity and legislative stability.
However, sources familiar with the discussions said the President bluntly declined the request, insisting that governors remain the undisputed leaders of the party in their respective states.
A senior National Assembly source disclosed, “The essence of the meeting was to plead for automatic tickets for senators, but the President made it clear that governors must have the final say in candidate selection. He emphasised party structure and state leadership.”
Among those seen arriving at the Villa for the meeting were Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, indicating the high stakes attached to the discussions.
Confirming the meeting, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described it as a strategic engagement on “matters of urgent national importance,” noting that far-reaching decisions were taken during the session.
Similarly, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the gathering was part of ongoing consultations between the executive and legislative arms.
Barely 24 hours later, Tinubu convened another crucial meeting, this time with governors elected on the platform of the APC effectively cementing his earlier position.
At the meeting, which was attended by several governors including Babagana Zulum, Hope Uzodimma, Inuwa Yahaya, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Mbah and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the President formally empowered governors to take charge of the primaries process.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, who briefed journalists after the meeting, confirmed that Tinubu had effectively handed over control of candidate selection to state executives.
“We came to thank the President for his support. He has given us clear directives and authorised governors to conduct primaries in line with the Electoral Act, either through consensus or direct primaries,” Bago said.
Also speaking, AbdulRazaq noted that the party had reviewed its primary timetable to ensure a smooth, transparent process devoid of internal conflicts.
Tinubu’s position aligns with earlier remarks by APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, who stated that automatic tickets are not recognised under the party’s constitution or Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“There is no provision for automatic tickets. Performance, not incumbency, will determine who gets the party’s ticket,” Yilwatda had said during a media briefing in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the APC has released a revised timetable for its 2027 primaries. According to the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, House of Representatives primaries will hold on May 15, 2026, Senate primaries on May 18, while the presidential primary is scheduled for May 23.
The timetable also outlines screening, appeals, and post-primary processes, all structured in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, forgot presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls slated for February 6, 2027.
The President’s decision has, however, triggered anxiety among federal lawmakers, particularly those with strained relationships with their governors.
In Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel is reportedly facing stiff opposition from Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is said to be positioning himself for the Ogun East senatorial seat after completing his tenure.
Similarly, in Nasarawa, Senator Aliyu Wadada has secured backing for a governorship bid, while in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli has received party support to succeed the incumbent governor.
Political observers say these developments could result in a significant turnover in the Senate, as several incumbents may struggle to secure renomination under the governor-driven structure.
A North-East senator, who spoke anonymously, warned that the party must adhere strictly to constitutional provisions.
“There is no legal basis for automatic tickets. The law is clear—primaries must be conducted either by consensus or direct voting. Anything outside that framework cannot stand,” the lawmaker said.
In Benue State, internal party tensions persist between Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and Governor Alia, with competing factions already positioning for control of the APC structure.
The ripple effects of Tinubu’s decision are already being felt. In March, House of Representatives member Philip Agbese defected to the Labour Party after his chances of securing a return ticket under the APC diminished.
With governors now firmly in control of the primaries process, analysts say the battle for 2027 tickets will likely shift to state power dynamics, setting the stage for intense intra-party contests across the country.