Northern Group Urges APC To Grant Automatic Tickets To Lawmakers

The Northern Patriotic Forum has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to grant automatic tickets to all serving National Assembly lawmakers under the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the group, this measure would bolster democratic growth, improve legislative performance, and promote continuity in governance.

The call was made during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, led by the Forum’s Convener, Abacha Ali, and its Chairman, Abdulmumnini Tijani.

Ali emphasized that extending the tenure of federal lawmakers aligns with practices in more advanced democracies, such as the United States, where long-serving legislators contribute significantly to the depth and quality of parliamentary discussions and policies.

“It is pertinent to state here that even in advanced democracies, such as the United States and other Western nations, from where we copied our presidential system of government, most members of their parliament have been known to spend well over four decades in the parliament,” Ali said.

“This helps to enrich parliamentary debates and articulate legislation that further enhances democratic practices and the rule of law.”

The Forum outlined various advantages of granting automatic tickets, including better representation, greater productivity, and the accumulation of institutional experience. They also stressed the value of mentorship for incoming lawmakers.

Ali further explained that extended tenures would allow legislators to master complex policy areas, maintain consistent communication with constituents, and guide bills through the legislative process from start to finish.

“Extending the tenure of National Assembly members can have several long-term benefits, including the accumulation of institutional knowledge,” he said.

“Longer tenures allow members to develop a deeper understanding and expertise in specific policy areas, leading to more informed decision-making.”

The group also appealed to key figures in the APC — including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma — to back the proposal.

They believe that institutionalizing automatic tickets for incumbents will not only serve the party’s interests but also strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and governance.

“We call on all APC party faithful across the country, the party hierarchy, and the leadership to ensure that the automatic party ticket for National Assembly members is given the necessary attention with a view to making it a reality before the party primaries,” Ali added.

Chairman Abdulmumnini Tijani echoed the call, urging widespread support within the party for the initiative.

“We urge all members of the party to rally round this noble course for the good of the party and in the overall interest of our democracy,” Tijani said.