Opposition parties accuse APC of deceptive tactics and pre-arranged outcome ahead of 2027 elections
Prominent opposition parties the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have strongly criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what they call a “deceptive” declaration of an open 2027 presidential ticket.
This comes after the APC announced that its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election is open to all aspirants, despite earlier signals that President Bola Tinubu would be given the right of first refusal.
Opposition: It’s a “False Open Contest” for 2027 Presidential Ticket
The CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ameh, called the APC’s announcement a “false open contest” designed to mislead the public while covertly propping up a predetermined candidate.
“This is not democracy; it’s deception. The APC wants to pretend it is offering an open platform, when in fact, it is simply setting up a money-making scheme for aspirants they have no intention of backing,” Ameh said.
He accused the APC of exploiting the internal nomination process to generate funds from hopeful candidates, only to ultimately endorse President Tinubu behind closed doors.
SDP: Godfatherism and Imposition Still Threaten 2027 Presidential Ticket
Backing this position, the Social Democratic Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, slammed the APC’s move as a “classic case of godfatherism and political manipulation.”
“This is exactly how institutions are weakened. Instead of promoting internal democracy, the APC is perpetuating the culture of political imposition,” Aiyenigba noted.
He added that the so-called open ticket is symbolic of the deep-rooted problems within Nigeria’s ruling political class, where openness is often used as a façade to legitimize already-made decisions.
PDP: Deception in the Name of Democracy
From the PDP camp, Timothy Osadolor, a member of the party’s National Executive Committee, echoed similar sentiments, labeling the APC’s move as “a charade.”
“The APC is only pretending to be democratic. Everyone knows the 2027 flagbearer has already been decided. This is just a political game to maintain appearances and confuse the electorate,” he stated.
According to Osadolor, true democracy requires transparency, not “tactical gamesmanship that undermines voter trust.”
APC Defends Open 2027 Presidential Ticket as Legal and Inclusive
The APC, however, maintains that it is only adhering to the Electoral Act by allowing all members the opportunity to obtain nomination forms.
Party officials say the open-ticket approach ensures legality and provides a chance for any qualified member to participate despite earlier endorsements of President Tinubu by various party stakeholders.
Insiders suggest this move is strategic, allowing the party to avoid legal loopholes or accusations of imposition, while still rallying support for Tinubu as the presumed front-runner.
Is Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk of Being Just for Show?
With 2027 still two years away, this controversy could be a preview of deeper internal party battles and national political tension to come.
What’s your take?
Is the APC genuinely committed to democracy with this open ticket
or is it just another political performance with a predetermined ending?
Join the conversation and share your views below.
