APC throws presidential ticket open
APC flag
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 general elections, while making it clear that other party members who wish to contest for the presidency will not be barred.
During the party’s National Summit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on May 22, 2025, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) formally declared Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
The endorsement was backed by the Progressive Governors Forum and APC lawmakers in the National Assembly, signaling unified support for the President ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking at the summit, then-party chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje said, “As the only body which has the power to field any candidate, I hereby affirm the various endorsements and declare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of APC.”
However, APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, clarified on Wednesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja that while Tinubu enjoys the party’s full endorsement, members who wish to contest for the party’s presidential ticket will still have the opportunity to do so.
Argungu explained that the party has not closed its doors to aspirants and that anyone interested in the presidency will be able to purchase Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms when the timetable for the primaries is announced.
He stressed that the endorsements reflect the party’s appreciation of President Tinubu’s performance and the belief that he deserves a second term, but emphasized that the party remains committed to allowing democratic participation for all members.
“This does not mean the door is closed,” Argungu said. “Governors and party organs across all six geopolitical zones have endorsed the President, but anyone who wants to aspire for the presidency under APC will not be denied the opportunity to exercise their franchise.”
The APC’s approach contrasts with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014, which printed a single presidential form reserved exclusively for then-President Goodluck Jonathan. APC’s decision to keep its ticket open demonstrates its intent to balance party unity with internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
