By Wellington Jopelo
Uncertainty is growing within the National Assembly after President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that state governors will determine candidates for the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
The position dashed expectations among senators and House members who had sought automatic tickets to secure their return, following intense lobbying at the Presidential Villa.
Rather than granting their request, the President made it clear that the power to decide candidates rests with governors, who lead the party structure in their respective states.
The stance was first communicated during a private meeting with Senate leadership, where lawmakers argued that continuity would strengthen legislative stability.
Tinubu, however, rejected the proposal and maintained that party processes must follow constitutional provisions, leaving no room for automatic endorsements.
He went further to reinforce the decision during a subsequent meeting with APC governors, where he authorised them to oversee and drive the primaries process.
Governors later confirmed they now have full backing to conduct primaries using either consensus or direct voting, as outlined in the Electoral Act.
Party officials also supported the move, noting that the APC constitution does not recognise automatic tickets and that aspirants must earn nominations through due process.
With the primary timetable already released, political calculations have intensified across states, especially where tensions exist between governors and sitting lawmakers.
In several areas, governors are reportedly backing alternative candidates, raising the prospect of major changes in the composition of the National Assembly.
The development signals a decisive shift in internal party dynamics, as the battle for tickets moves to the states and incumbents face a tougher path to re-election.