APC Governors, Lawmakers In Fresh Power Struggle Over 2027 Tickets

APC Governors, Lawmakers In Fresh Power Struggle Over 2027 Tickets
Tinubu backs legislative continuity, unsettles some governors.
Ondo governor accused of pushing constitutional amendment bid.

A fresh power struggle has emerged within the ruling APC as governors elected on the party’s platform reportedly moved to assert control over senators and House of Representatives members from their states following disagreements over recent amendments to the Electoral Act and other issues.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that findings in Abuja showed that tensions escalated after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed support for the return of most APC lawmakers to the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at the State House, Tinubu backed legislative continuity.

“I appreciate the impressive turnout, and this shows the spirit of unity. You spoke very well as a team leader; you are a very good leader,” the President said.

He added, “I will do everything within our party’s power. In several constituencies, there are rotational arrangements. I wish that everyone would return.”

The remarks were said to have unsettled some governors who are believed to be considering replacing certain federal lawmakers with loyalists in the next election cycle.

Speaker Abbas had earlier canvassed support for the return of lawmakers to the 11th National Assembly, noting that when as much as 80 per cent of members fail to return after elections, legislative continuity suffers.

Sources disclosed that governors under the Progressive Governors Forum are planning to meet Tinubu before his scheduled trip to the United Kingdom next week. A senior party source described the President’s position as an unusual declaration that caught several governors off guard.

According to the source, the governors are expected to hold a preparatory meeting before seeing the President, with possible concessions forming a key part of their discussions. “Details of the concessions are still being worked out,” the insider said.

The disagreement is not uniform across states. Some governors, particularly those seeking second terms, are reportedly pushing to reshuffle federal representation from their states to strengthen their influence within the National Assembly.

The contest is said to have intensified about ten months ago and reached a critical stage last week when the Progressive Governors Forum allegedly tipped its chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as a possible successor to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Party insiders said the underlying battle centres on control of legislative leadership positions and broader influence within the party structure.

In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is reportedly seeking to replace all three senators from the state and at least seven of the nine House of Representatives members.

Although both the governor and affected lawmakers have publicly denied any rift, a source said, “It is not out of place for governors to have loyalists in the National Assembly.”

Aiyedatiwa’s alleged dissatisfaction is linked to lawmakers’ refusal to support a proposed amendment to Section 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

The section provides that: “A person who was sworn-in as Governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

A federal lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, said the governor had invited six lawmakers to initiate a joint memorandum to push the amendment.

“It is an open secret that the Governor wants to have third oath of office which is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution as it is today,” the source said.

“He invited six of us to a meeting on the need for us to initiate the process through a joint memorandum but we were unanimous that such was an uphill task except it is decided by the courts.

“Basically, we warned him not to attempt it because it would not fly; and apart from that, we hinted him that (Ex-President Goodluck) Jonathan would benefit from such an amendment if it succeeds but rather than showing understanding, he threatened that we will all lose our tickets to return to the National Assembly.”