APC Lawmakers Face Uncertainty as Tinubu Strengthens Governors’ Grip on 2027 Tickets

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Fresh political tension is building within Nigeria’s ruling party as key stakeholders begin to reposition ahead of the 2027 elections. At the center of the unfolding drama is President Bola Tinubu, whose recent move is believed to have shifted significant influence to state governors, leaving many federal lawmakers uneasy about their political future.

Power Shift Sparks Anxiety in APC Ranks

Concerns intensified following a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) met with the President. The gathering included notable figures such as Hope Uzodimma, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Inuwa Yahaya, and Babagana Zulum, alongside several other governors across the federation.

Emerging details from the closed-door discussion suggest a strategic recalibration within the party. The governors were reportedly entrusted with overseeing how party primaries will be conducted in their respective states—an authority that could significantly shape who secures party tickets.

Governors Take Center Stage in Candidate Selection

The outcome of the meeting signals a clear decentralization of power. Governors now appear to have a decisive role in determining candidates, whether through consensus arrangements or direct primaries as stipulated by electoral laws.

Gossip News Now reports that this development has stirred unease among lawmakers who had anticipated smoother paths to renomination. Many had counted on their loyalty and alignment with the party leadership as a safeguard for their political ambitions.

Lawmakers Push Back Amid Fears of Exclusion

Prior to this development, the leadership of the National Assembly—led by Godswill Akpabio and Abbas Tajudeen—had engaged the President in discussions aimed at securing automatic tickets for federal legislators. The move was seen as a strategy to preserve institutional experience and reduce legislative turnover.

However, indications suggest that the request did not gain full presidential backing. Instead, the emphasis remained on allowing governors to play a central role in shaping the party’s candidate lineup.

Debate Over Automatic Tickets Intensifies

Earlier appeals by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen highlighted concerns about the frequent exit of experienced lawmakers, which he argued affects governance continuity and increases public spending on legislative training. Despite this, party leadership has taken a firm stance.

The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, has clearly dismissed the idea of blanket automatic tickets, reinforcing the party’s commitment to competitive primaries rather than guaranteed returns.

Internal Friction and Strategic Lobbying

Behind the scenes, the atmosphere within the party is growing increasingly tense. Some lawmakers reportedly feel marginalized, especially those who do not enjoy strong relationships with their state governors.

According to insiders, the evolving situation has triggered a wave of political maneuvering. Lawmakers are now actively engaging governors and influential party figures in a bid to secure their chances ahead of the primaries.

State-Level Rivalries Complicate the Picture

The situation is further complicated by existing political rivalries in several states. In some cases, governors nearing the end of their tenure are believed to be eyeing legislative seats, creating direct competition with current lawmakers.

For instance, tensions have been observed in Ondo State involving Lucky Aiyedatiwa and factions linked to the late Rotimi Akeredolu. Similarly, political divisions persist in Benue State between allies of George Akume and supporters of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

These dynamics raise concerns that the expanded influence of governors could be used to sideline certain lawmakers during the candidate selection process.

Growing Speculation of Defections

As uncertainty deepens, some affected politicians are reportedly weighing alternative political paths. The possibility of defections cannot be ruled out, especially among those who feel disadvantaged by the current power structure within the party.

Analysis: A Strategic Gamble or Political Risk?

The decision to empower governors may strengthen party cohesion at the state level, but it also introduces new risks. While it could streamline decision-making and reduce internal disputes in some regions, it may equally deepen divisions where relationships are already strained.

Ultimately, the move reflects a broader strategy to consolidate control ahead of a crucial election cycle. Whether this approach will unify the party or trigger further fragmentation remains to be seen.

TAGS: APC Lawmakers