APC Shuts Down Automatic Tickets as Internal Crisis Worsens, Members Threaten Defections Nationwide.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
April 20, 2026.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is entering a turbulent phase that many insiders now describe as one of the most delicate moments in the party’s history since its formation.
What began as a policy clarification has quickly spiraled into a nationwide political storm, exposing deep cracks within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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At the center of the controversy is the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, whose firm declaration that “there is no automatic ticket in the party’s constitution” has ignited fierce reactions across party ranks. While the statement may have been intended to reinforce internal democracy, it has instead opened a floodgate of suspicion, ambition, and confrontation.
For many long-standing party loyalists, the announcement feels like a direct threat. These are individuals who believe they have invested years—sometimes decades—building the APC from its formative struggles into a dominant political force. To them, the removal of any form of automatic consideration is not just procedural; it is deeply personal.
On the other hand, newly defected governors and political heavyweights see this as an opportunity. Armed with state power, influence, and resources, they are moving swiftly to consolidate control over party structures at the state level. Delegate lists, ward executives, and local leadership positions are becoming battlegrounds where loyalty is being tested and alliances reshaped overnight.
The result is a widening divide between two emerging blocs within the APC: the “old guard” and the “new entrants.” This division is no longer subtle—it is loud, visible, and increasingly confrontational.
In states like Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Plateau, Bayelsa, and Enugu, the party is witnessing parallel meetings, conflicting directives, and growing mistrust. Party offices that once symbolized unity are now arenas of quiet tension. In some cases, members attend separate gatherings under the same party banner, each claiming legitimacy.
The crisis is not just structural—it is psychological. Aspirants across the country, many of whom have been quietly preparing for years, now see an uncertain path ahead. Without the assurance of continuity or protection, the scramble for tickets has intensified. Every politician is now calculating their chances, weighing loyalty against survival.
The situation in Adamawa State offers a glimpse of what may come. The resignation of governorship aspirant Maurice Vunobolki, who cited fears of imposed candidates, is being interpreted by many as an early warning sign. His departure may not be isolated—it could become a pattern if confidence in the party’s internal processes continues to erode.
At the heart of this unfolding drama is a simple but dangerous reality: everyone wants control, and no one is willing to уступ.
Critics within the party are now openly questioning the timing of the chairman’s statement. Some argue that such a sensitive issue should have been handled quietly through internal consultations rather than a public declaration. In their view, the chairman’s comments have unintentionally escalated tensions at a time when unity should have been the priority.
Others, however, defend the position, insisting that the principle of “no automatic ticket” is essential to fairness and internal democracy. But even among supporters of the policy, there is growing concern about how it is being implemented—and whether the party has the mechanisms to manage the fallout.
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the stakes are rising rapidly. If the current trajectory continues, the party risks entering the 2027 elections deeply fragmented. A divided APC could face not only internal sabotage but also a wave of defections that may reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
For now, the party stands at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming months—whether to reconcile factions, redefine processes, or double down on current positions—will determine whether this crisis becomes a temporary storm or a defining rupture.
One thing is clear: the battle for tickets has become a battle for the soul of the APC. And unless carefully managed, it may cost the party far more than just internal peace.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 19TH 2026)
