Reported by Musa Antiketu, | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
A prominent chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara South has cautioned the party leadership against granting automatic tickets to incumbent lawmakers ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that such a move could undermine internal democracy, alienate grassroots party members, and deepen political divisions within the state chapter.
The warning comes amid growing conversations across political circles in Kwara State over the future of elected representatives currently occupying seats in the National Assembly and the state legislature under the APC platform. While some stakeholders believe incumbents deserve preferential treatment based on loyalty and performance, others argue that every aspirant should be subjected to a transparent and competitive primary process.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Kwara South, the APC stalwart stressed that democracy within political parties must remain rooted in fairness, consultation, and open competition rather than endorsements imposed from above. According to him, granting automatic return tickets to lawmakers without primaries could weaken party unity and discourage emerging political actors from participating actively in the democratic process.
The APC chieftain argued that political parties thrive when members believe they have equal opportunities to contest for positions based on merit, competence, and grassroots support. He noted that attempts to reserve tickets for incumbents often create resentment among party loyalists who have invested time and resources in strengthening the party at the ward and local government levels.
His remarks have reignited a longstanding debate in Nigerian politics over the controversial practice of “automatic tickets,” a system in which serving lawmakers or political office holders are endorsed for reelection without going through rigorous party primaries. Critics of the practice say it undermines internal democracy and fuels political godfatherism, while supporters claim it helps preserve continuity and reward loyal party members.
Across Nigeria, disputes over party primaries have repeatedly triggered defections, litigation, and internal crises among major political parties. Analysts say the APC, like other parties, faces the challenge of balancing political stability with democratic participation as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
The Kwara APC figure emphasized that no lawmaker should be denied the right to seek reelection, but insisted that incumbents must earn renewed mandates through credible primaries rather than predetermined endorsements.
“Every aspirant deserves a level playing field,” he reportedly stated, adding that lawmakers seeking another term should present their achievements before party delegates and voters rather than rely on political influence or elite backing.
Political observers say the debate reflects deeper tensions within the APC structure in Kwara State, where competing interests are already positioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle. Although the elections remain nearly a year away, consultations and strategic alignments have intensified among political actors seeking to consolidate influence within the party.
Kwara has remained one of the APC’s strongholds since the dramatic political realignment that reshaped the state’s power structure in 2019. The ruling party swept major elective positions during that election cycle, ending years of dominance by the former political establishment. Since then, party leaders have consistently emphasized unity and discipline as critical to maintaining political control in the state.
However, analysts warn that unresolved disputes over candidate selection could test that unity as ambitions rise ahead of 2027.
The APC chieftain also urged party leaders at the state and national levels to prioritize consultation with grassroots members before making strategic decisions regarding nominations and endorsements. According to him, political decisions perceived as unfair or imposed often create divisions that weaken electoral performance.
He noted that party members at the ward and local government levels constitute the backbone of the APC and should not be sidelined in decisions affecting representation and leadership. He further argued that democratic competition within parties can strengthen governance by ensuring only candidates with genuine public support emerge.
Political analysts say concerns about automatic tickets are not limited to Kwara State alone. Similar debates have surfaced in several states where incumbent lawmakers are lobbying for direct endorsements ahead of party primaries. In some cases, party stakeholders have openly resisted such moves, insisting that primaries remain the most legitimate pathway for candidate emergence.
Within Nigeria’s political system, internal party democracy has remained a recurring issue attracting criticism from civil society organizations, election observers, and governance advocates. Many experts argue that flawed primaries contribute to weak accountability, voter apathy, and post-election legal battles.
In previous election cycles, disputes over APC primaries led to internal disagreements in multiple states, sometimes affecting the party’s electoral fortunes. Political commentators believe the ruling party may seek to avoid similar controversies by encouraging transparent consultations before the commencement of official nomination processes.
The Kwara APC stalwart further warned that imposing candidates could damage the morale of younger politicians and aspiring leaders who see party primaries as opportunities to contribute fresh ideas and energy to governance. According to him, political renewal is essential for sustaining democratic institutions and ensuring that leadership remains responsive to citizens’ needs.
He also stressed that lawmakers seeking reelection should focus on demonstrating measurable performance in their constituencies. Constituency projects, legislative contributions, empowerment programs, and accessibility to constituents, he argued, should form the basis upon which delegates and voters evaluate incumbents.
In recent years, public scrutiny of lawmakers’ performance has increased across Nigeria, with citizens demanding greater accountability and visible development outcomes from elected officials. Civil society groups and political analysts have consistently called for issue-based campaigns rather than personality-driven politics.
The APC chieftain’s comments have already generated reactions among political stakeholders within Kwara State. While some party members reportedly support his call for open competition, others believe experienced lawmakers deserve strategic backing to preserve continuity and legislative experience.
Supporters of automatic tickets often argue that incumbents possess institutional knowledge and political networks that can benefit the party during elections and governance. They also contend that forcing every incumbent into highly competitive primaries could deepen factional rivalries and consume party resources.
However, opponents insist that democracy requires periodic evaluation of elected officials through competitive political processes. They argue that shielding incumbents from primaries may encourage complacency and disconnect representatives from grassroots realities.
The debate is expected to intensify as political consultations gather momentum nationwide. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not officially released the timetable for the 2027 elections, political parties have already begun strategic positioning and internal negotiations.
In Kwara State, the APC leadership is likely to face increasing pressure to maintain cohesion while accommodating competing interests among incumbents, new aspirants, youth groups, and influential stakeholders. Observers believe how the party handles internal democracy issues could shape its electoral prospects in the coming years.
Political analysts also note that the APC’s approach in Kwara may influence broader conversations within the party nationally, particularly as the ruling party seeks to consolidate support ahead of another major electoral contest.
The issue of automatic tickets has historically remained sensitive in Nigerian politics because it often intersects with questions of loyalty, performance, zoning, and political influence. While some parties adopt informal arrangements to protect incumbents, others insist on open primaries to preserve legitimacy.
For many grassroots supporters, transparent primaries symbolize political inclusion and participation. Analysts say parties that ignore grassroots sentiments risk alienating loyal members whose mobilization efforts are crucial during elections.
The Kwara APC chieftain concluded by urging party leaders to place the long term stability of the party above personal interests or political favoritism. He maintained that strengthening internal democracy would not only enhance party credibility but also deepen public trust in Nigeria’s democratic system.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections gradually begins, debates over candidate selection, internal democracy, and party cohesion are expected to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape. For the APC in Kwara State and beyond, the challenge will lie in balancing continuity with inclusiveness while preserving the confidence of party members and voters alike.
Sources
The Punch
Premium Times Nigeria
Daily Trust
Vanguard Nigeria
The Nation Nigeria
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