APC automatic tickets are ruled out as party leaders insist defecting governors must contest through democratic primaries
Top leaders of the All Progressives Congress have ruled out automatic tickets for governors who recently defected to the ruling party.
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The decision affects Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas, Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is expected to defect.
A member of the APC National Working Committee said defection does not guarantee a ticket under party rules.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing lack of authorisation to comment publicly.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, confirmed the position in an interview, describing the party as democratic and progressive.
Ibrahim said all members would enjoy equal rights and opportunities within the party.
He stressed that APC automatic tickets are not under consideration for any elected office holder.
Several governors from the Peoples Democratic Party have defected to the APC in recent months.
They include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.
The APC leadership in Kano State has also indicated that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may soon join the party.
Other defectors include lawmakers, former governors, former ministers, and party leaders from across the country.
Some Nigerians believe the defections are driven by re election ambitions ahead of 2027.
An APC National Working Committee member rejected that view, citing President Bola Tinubu’s record in office.
The official said party members, not leaders, would decide who emerges as candidates.
He added that even President Tinubu would not receive an automatic ticket if he seeks re election.
According to him, all aspirants must earn tickets through transparent and competitive primaries.
The Peoples Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party criticised the defecting governors.
PDP Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the governors acted out of selfish interest.
He said many would regret leaving the party that supported their rise to power.
NNPP Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, said the development was expected.
He said the APC often makes promises that are difficult to fulfil.
Johnson warned that defecting governors could face frustration within the ruling party.
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Attempts to reach APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful as of press time.
