APC rejects automatic tickets for National Assembly members, mandates primaries

APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda confirms no automatic tickets for National Assembly members in future elections, contrary to recent speculation. He emphasized that both party constitution and Electoral Act require proper candidate emergence through either consensus or direct primaries.

All aspirants within the party will undergo the same process without exception, with performance serving as a key factor for those seeking re-election. 'There is no automatic ticket in our constitution,' Yilwatda stated during a media chat in Abuja, adding that 'the party cannot wishfully promise automatic ticket to anyone.'

This clarification directly impacts current National Assembly members who may have expected automatic renewal. The party will use its guidelines, constitution, and Electoral Act to ensure transparent participation in primaries. Performance evaluation by party members and constituents will determine candidacy eligibility rather than tenure or status.

Will this policy push sitting lawmakers to focus more on performance metrics and constituency service to secure party nominations for 2027?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/16/apc-rules-out-automatic-ticket-for-national-assembly-members/