President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dashed the hopes of federal lawmakers seeking guaranteed return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, firmly declaring that state governors will determine who emerges as candidates across the country.
The decision, which followed a series of high-level meetings at the Presidential Villa, effectively reinforces the influence of governors within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and signals a shift away from earlier expectations within the National Assembly.
Sources familiar with a closed-door meeting between the President and Senate leadership revealed that lawmakers had lobbied for automatic tickets to secure their re-election bids. However, Tinubu reportedly turned down the request, insisting that governors, as party leaders in their respective states, must retain control over candidate selection.
“He made it clear that governors have the final say in determining candidates,” a senior legislative source said. “The argument for continuity was raised, but the President was unequivocal.”
The development has reportedly heightened unease among senators and members of the House of Representatives, particularly those with strained ties to their state governors, raising concerns about their political future.
Less than 24 hours after meeting lawmakers, Tinubu convened another session with APC governors, where he formally endorsed their authority to oversee the primaries process in line with electoral guidelines.
Speaking after the meeting, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago confirmed the President’s stance, saying, “He has given us the go-ahead to conduct primaries, either by consensus or direct elections, in accordance with the Electoral Act.”
Similarly, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq noted that discussions focused on ensuring a transparent and rancour-free process that would strengthen the party ahead of the polls.
The President’s position aligns with earlier remarks by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who had dismissed the idea of automatic tickets, stressing that the party’s constitution and electoral laws do not support such arrangements.
Under the revised timetable released by the APC, primary elections for the House of Representatives are scheduled for May 15, while Senate primaries will hold on May 18. The presidential primary is slated for May 23.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls to follow on February 6.
Political analysts say Tinubu’s decision could trigger intense intra-party contests and significantly reshape the composition of the National Assembly, as several incumbents now face uncertain paths to renomination.
With governors now firmly in control of the process, the battle for party tickets is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a highly competitive election cycle.