2027: APC under pressure to grant automatic return tickets to performing lawmakers

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing growing pressure from political support groups to adopt a policy of granting automatic return tickets to high-performing federal lawmakers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

One of the leading voices in this push, the Progressive Youths for National Stability (PYNS), has described the proposal as a strategic initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for political stability and national development.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its president, Comrade Aminu Mustapha Bako, the group declared that legislative continuity would reinforce the synergy between the executive and legislative arms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Bako stated: “This isn’t about entrenching individuals; it’s about entrenching progress.

“What we are advocating is the continuity of competence. Lawmakers who have become engines of reform and stood with the President to deliver critical legislation should be allowed to complete the work they started.”

Bako noted that frequent turnover in the National Assembly has historically disrupted momentum and delayed policy implementation.

He emphasized that retaining trusted and capable legislators would enhance stability and improve governance outcomes.

His words: “You cannot build a sustainable democracy on shifting sands. If we keep changing the players every four years, we risk resetting progress.

“A consistent legislative team allows the President to focus on governance, not damage control.”

The group also raised concerns about alleged attempts by an emerging anti-Tinubu faction to weaken the APC’s legislative base ahead of 2027.

According to PYNS, such moves are politically motivated and not driven by national interest.

“These new alliances are based on personal grudges and opportunism.

“But many lawmakers are standing firm because they recognize President Tinubu as a master strategist and a leader who keeps his word,” Bako warned.

He praised the current National Assembly for working in close partnership with the executive, noting that the relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Nigeria’s future.

He said: “What we have today is more than political alignment — it’s a development alliance.

“This policy seeks to preserve that bond. The President doesn’t forget his allies, and in return, they are standing strong with him.”

Bako cautioned that disrupting the alignment between both arms of government could derail key reforms currently in motion.

He also addressed opposition within the APC ranks, particularly from Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who has voiced resistance to the automatic ticket proposal. Bako urged reconciliation, not rebellion.

He said: “Governor Alia is entitled to his opinion, but we must see the bigger picture.

“This is a time for unity and collective purpose, not ego and political posturing. The party must rally behind a President who has shown uncommon resolve in delivering reforms.”

The PYNS called on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to adopt the automatic ticket policy, emphasizing its potential to reduce post-primary litigation, internal factionalism, and voter apathy.

“What the APC needs now is not division, but unity of purpose. Rewarding credible performance with continuity is not just sound politics — it’s a formula for sustained national growth.

“Automatic return tickets are not shortcuts; they are strategic steps toward a more stable and successful 2027,” the statement concluded.