APC Convention: NASS Leaders Push for Automatic Tickets to Sustain Reforms
By Correspondent
The leadership of Nigeria’s National Assembly on Friday stepped up pressure for the adoption of automatic tickets for serving lawmakers under the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the move is vital to preserving reforms driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The demand featured prominently at the party’s 4th Elective National Convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where stakeholders gathered to elect new national officers and chart the APC’s future course.
Speaking for APC caucuses in both chambers, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said granting automatic return tickets to high-performing legislators would ensure continuity, stability, and more effective implementation of policies aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abbas stressed that the National Assembly has been central to advancing key reforms of the Tinubu administration, including fiscal and electoral measures, and should be shielded from the distractions of 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 added that the proposal should be viewed not as a privilege, but as a strategic tool to deepen governance and maintain policy consistency at a time of significant economic and institutional changes.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed the position, voicing strong support for legislative continuity.
He also praised the organisation of the convention and the broad participation of delegates from across the country, the Federal Capital Territory, and the diaspora.
Akpabio highlighted what he described as achievements of the Tinubu administration, including education financing reforms through NELFUND, agricultural initiatives, rail expansion, and major infrastructure projects such as the coastal highway. He commended Tinubu’s leadership, pointing to his record in Lagos State and his wider national development vision.
He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari and other founding figures of the APC for laying the party’s foundation, noting its growth from controlling 18 states at inception to its current national dominance.
“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 said.
The proposal drew support from other stakeholders, including former governors and members of executive councils, who argued that continuity in leadership is key to sustaining the gains of the APC-led administration.
Although President Tinubu did not directly address the issue in his remarks, 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 made significant contributions to Nigeria’s unity and the growth of the APC. Delegates observed a minute of silence in his honour and for other deceased party members.
Despite growing support for the proposal, some stakeholders warned against weakening internal democracy, stressing that transparent and credible candidate selection processes must be maintained.
Political observers say the outcome of the debate could shape the APC’s internal dynamics and electoral strategy ahead of future elections, as the party seeks to consolidate its dominance while sustaining its reform agenda.
The convention continues with high-level consultations, with expectations that key resolutions will define the party’s direction toward the 2027 general elections.
