By Chief Okoi Obono-Obla
Why are some individuals still peddling the falsehood of automatic tickets in the All Progressives Congress (APC)? Surprisingly, even highly educated and exposed people persist in this outdated assumption despite the clear provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act. Under the Act, which serves as the reference point for all registered political parties in nominating candidates for the 2027 general elections, there is no provision for automatic tickets.
The Act stipulates that political parties may adopt either primary elections or consensus. Consensus, however, is only valid when all aspirants—those who have purchased expression of interest and nomination forms, undergone screening, and been cleared—agree to step down for one candidate. Crucially, every aspirant must sign an agreement to that effect; otherwise, consensus cannot stand.
The National Chairman of APC, Professor Mentawe, recently emphasized in an interview on TVC that there is nothing like automatic tickets. He affirmed that the party will strictly adhere to its Constitution and the 2026 Electoral Act.
Therefore, I encourage Cross Riverians who are members of the APC and aspire to contest under its platform to disregard the falsehood being spread to discourage participation. The truth is clear: the APC, like all parties, must follow due process in line with the law.
Conclusion: Automatic tickets are a myth. The 2026 Electoral Act ensures fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in candidate selection. Aspirants should remain confident in the process and not be swayed by misinformation.
Chief Okoi Obono-Obla