APC Insists No Automatic Tickets for Fubara Umo Eno Kefas and Others Ahead of 2027

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Senior officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have dismissed the idea of granting automatic tickets to governors who recently defected to the party, stressing that joining the APC does not translate into special privileges ahead of the 2027 elections.

The decision affects several governors, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf—who is reportedly on the verge of joining the APC—will also be subject to the same rules.

A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to comment publicly, said that the party’s constitution and democratic principles do not allow for automatic tickets for any aspirant.

He argued that it was wrong to assume that governors are defecting to the APC merely to secure re-election bids.

“It is incorrect to believe that defections are solely about securing re-election,” he said. “Many of those joining the APC are doing so because of President Bola Tinubu’s achievements and the positive impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda across various sectors.”

He reminded reporters that the party had previously stated that even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not automatically receive the party’s presidential ticket if he chooses to run again.

“The APC made it clear that even the President must go through the proper process, despite enjoying strong support from the NWC, NEC, zonal leaders, and governors,” he explained.

He added: “This means the contest is not limited to President Tinubu. Any qualified APC member is free to contest.”

The NWC official emphasized that the same rules apply to all governors, whether long-term party members or recent defectors.

“This principle applies equally to governors of Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and others,” he said. “No one is guaranteed an automatic ticket. They must participate in the primaries and win the support of party members.”

He stressed that the APC would not hand tickets to anyone based on status, position, or recent defection.

Among the PDP governors who have crossed over to the APC are Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and the latest, Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers). Kano APC leaders have also hinted that Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection is expected soon.

In addition to the governors, numerous senators, House of Representatives members, state lawmakers, former ministers, and former governors have also left the PDP to join the ruling party.

Speaking separately, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, confirmed that automatic tickets are not being considered for anyone.

“The matter of automatic tickets is not on the table—not for Kano, not for any aspirant,” Ibrahim stated. “The party has not approved an automatic ticket for anybody, including the President.”

He explained that although the party had passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, it did not mean other aspirants would be barred from contesting.

“What the party said is that it supports him based on performance. It did not imply preventing others from running,” he added.

Ibrahim stressed that the APC remains committed to internal democracy, fair competition, and transparent candidate selection.

“Where consensus becomes necessary, and all parties agree, then the APC will adopt that method to ensure a peaceful and unified primary process,” he concluded.