APC Convention: NASS Leaders Demand Automatic Tickets to Sustain Reforms
The leadership of Nigeria's National Assembly has intensified calls for the adoption of automatic tickets for serving lawmakers under the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that this move is critical to sustaining ongoing reforms championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This demand emerged as a major highlight of the party's 4th Elective National Convention held at Eagle Square, where stakeholders gathered to elect new national officers and outline the APC's future direction.
Continuity and Stability in Governance
Speaking on behalf of APC caucuses in both chambers, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, argued that granting automatic return tickets to performing legislators would promote continuity, stability, and effective policy implementation in line with the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda. According to Abbas, the National Assembly has played a pivotal role in advancing key reforms of the Tinubu administration, including fiscal and electoral changes, and should be strengthened rather than distracted by internal party contests.
"The stability of the legislature is critical to sustaining the reform process. Automatic tickets will allow lawmakers to focus on delivering on their mandate without the distractions of internal party contests," he said. He maintained that the proposal should not be seen as a privilege, but as a strategic mechanism to deepen governance and ensure policy consistency at a time of major economic and institutional reforms.
Support from Senate Leadership
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, aligned himself with the Speaker's position, expressing strong support for continuity in the legislature. He commended the convention's organisation and widespread participation, noting that delegates from all states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the diaspora were represented. Akpabio also used the occasion to highlight what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration, citing reforms in education financing through NELFUND, agricultural initiatives, expansion of rail transport, and ongoing infrastructure projects such as the coastal highway.
He praised Tinubu's leadership, referencing his record in transforming Lagos State and his broader vision for national development. He further applauded former President Muhammadu Buhari and other founding figures for laying the foundation of the APC, noting that the party's growth—from controlling 18 states at inception to its current dominance—reflects public confidence in its governance approach. "For those of us in the legislature, you can be assured of our continued support. When the National Assembly is stable, Nigeria is better off," Akpabio stated.
Broader Stakeholder Resonance and Caution
The call for automatic tickets also found resonance among other stakeholders, including former governors and members of executive councils, who argued that leadership continuity is essential to preserving the gains recorded under the APC-led administration. Although President Tinubu did not directly address the proposal in his speech, he repeatedly emphasised party unity, discipline, and the need to sustain reforms. "Our greatest strength has never been our size, but our unity," the President said, urging members to avoid divisions that could undermine collective progress.
Tinubu also paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a courageous leader who contributed significantly to Nigeria's unity and the success of the APC. Delegates observed a minute of silence in honour of Buhari and other departed party members. Despite the growing momentum behind the proposal, some party stakeholders cautioned against undermining internal democracy. They stressed that while continuity is important, the party must preserve transparent and credible processes in selecting candidates.
Implications for Future Elections
Observers note that the outcome of the debate could significantly shape the APC's internal dynamics and electoral strategy ahead of future elections, as the party seeks to consolidate its dominance and sustain the reform agenda of the current administration. The convention continues with high-level consultations, with expectations that key resolutions will define the APC's direction ahead of the 2027 poll.
