“Tinubu Could Not Protect Us After We Supported Him” – APC Lawmakers Threaten Defection

Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly have threatened to defect to opposition parties if denied tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers who spoke to The Leadership on condition of anonymity expressed frustration over indications that President Bola Tinubu had allegedly empowered governors of the party to decide who gets nominated in their states.

They said the development had left many federal lawmakers at the mercy of governors, some of whom they said were intoxicated by power.

One of the lawmakers, who confided in Leadership, said it was disappointing that the President had not taken steps to protect members of the APC-controlled National Assembly despite their support for his administration.

“Despite the support we have given the President, and Nigerians tagged us as rubber stamp, he could not protect us and reward us, leaving us at the mercy of the governors,” the lawmaker said.

Other APC lawmakers said they may join opposition parties if they are denied the party’s tickets, insisting that their constituents will still vote for them.

Some called on Tinubu to re-evaluate his stance, noting that lawmakers remained crucial to governance and his re-election campaign.

“As devastating and disappointing as this is, it is not too late for the President to change course. Another lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “He has pending requests before us and a full budget to present.

But the controversy over automatic tickets has taken a new twist in the Senate. Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, hinted at such arrangement during a stakeholders’ engagement, naming some senators who might benefit.

They are Adamu Aliero, Abdulaziz Yari, Orji Uzor Kalu and Opeyemi Bamidele.

Others are Yahaya Abdullahi, Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Danjuma Goje and Adetokunbo Abiru

Idris said that the lawmakers had played important roles in the stabilization of the National Assembly and in the strengthening of the relations between the executive and the legislative.

Despite no confirmation from the Presidency or the APC leadership on the automatic ticket arrangement, the development has continued to generate debate within the ruling party.