BREAKING: APC Rejects Zoning For Presidency Opens 2027 Ticket To All Aspirants To Challenge Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress has decided not to limit its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. The party also said it will not stop any member from contesting, even though it has backed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

Chidi Duru, APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, told Sunday PUNCH that while the party may prefer a consensus candidate, it is open to anyone who wants to test their popularity.

He said the party often leans toward consensus, but any member interested in running is welcome, showing that the APC supports internal democracy.

Duru added that current office holders usually have an advantage when seeking re-election, especially if party members are happy with their work. He called this the “right of first refusal,” which encourages leaders to follow party policies and promises.

He explained that parties are more likely to pick candidates who share their goals and have done well. Unpopular candidates could reduce their chances of winning. Allowing incumbents to run again also keeps them accountable to the party.

The APC official said he supports applying the consensus system to governors and other elected officials who have finished one term. This motivates them to perform well and follow party rules.

Responding to concerns about possible disagreements within the party, Duru noted that the constitution allows presidents and governors to run for a second term, and party members usually accept this.

His remarks come ahead of the APC national convention in Abuja, set for March 27 to 28, 2026.

Before the convention, the party’s National Working Committee confirmed its zoning plan for key leadership roles. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the power-sharing arrangement across Nigeria’s six zones will continue to maintain balance and unity.

Under the plan, the National Chairman role is zoned to the North-Central and specifically to Plateau State. Other leadership positions are shared across Borno, Enugu, Osun, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Anambra, Edo, Lagos, and Ogun as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.