The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received widespread endorsement for a second term, other party members will still be allowed to compete for the presidential ticket in the primaries.
This assurance was given by APC’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Mohammad Argungu, during a media briefing at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Argungu reaffirmed that the party’s leadership—including the National Working Committee, the Progressives Governors Forum led by Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the National Assembly leadership under Senate President Godswill Akpabio—had collectively endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing his commendable performance.
However, he emphasised that the APC remains committed to democratic ideals and would not restrict any eligible member from contesting in the primaries.
“We will certainly not shut the door to other presidential aspirants,” Argungu said. “When the time comes, the party’s timetable will be released, and any interested member will be free to obtain the expression of interest and nomination forms. We’re simply acknowledging the President’s achievements and supporting his re-election, not excluding others from running.”
His remarks came in response to a question about whether the APC might follow the example of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which in 2014 printed only one nomination form for then-President Goodluck Jonathan, effectively making him the sole presidential aspirant.
In the recent by-elections, Argungu attributed the APC’s success in securing 13 out of 16 seats to divine favour and the hard work of party leaders, members, and supporters nationwide.
“This is a significant accomplishment that underscores the trust Nigerians continue to place in the APC,” he said. “These victories go beyond numbers — they represent growing confidence in our party’s leadership and governance capabilities across the country.”
