Kwara APC chieftain warns against automatic tickets for lawmakers ahead of 2027

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and President of Orisun Igbomina, Gbenga Awoyale, has cautioned stakeholders in Kwara State against granting automatic return tickets to serving National Assembly members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Awoyale issued the warning on Friday in a statement, insisting that democratic competition must remain the basis for candidate selection within the party.

Mr Awoyale argued that no incumbent should be guaranteed re-election without going through the party’s nomination process.

“Every aspirant, whether incumbent or newcomer, must pass through the same party nomination process and earn the trust of delegates… Democracy is not hereditary, neither is representation a personal entitlement,” he said.

The statement comes amid growing internal discussions within the APC over zoning, incumbency advantage, and potential consensus arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.

Concerns over party unity

Mr Awoyale warned that any perception of automatic tickets or political favouritism could undermine unity within the ruling party and discourage other aspirants.

He said all contenders must be assessed based on performance, consultation, acceptability, and engagement with party members.

“Public office holders must be able to account convincingly for the mandates entrusted to them,” he added.

Kwara south political tensions

The APC chieftain noted rising political tension in Kwara South Senatorial District, particularly around the seat currently occupied by Senator Lola Ashiru.

He said discussions about possible shifts in political positions ahead of 2027 have intensified debates on zoning and representation.

Mr Awoyale, however, clarified that his position was not targeted at any individual but was driven by fairness and regional balance.

Call for zoning and equity

He argued that different blocs within Kwara South have held the senatorial seat at various times, stressing the need for equitable distribution of political opportunities.

According to him, the agitation for an “Igbomina agenda” in 2027 is rooted in fairness and inclusion rather than sentiment.

“We have several competent and qualified sons across different local governments who are capable of offering effective representation,” he said.

Appeal to APC leadership

Mr Awoyale urged the state leadership of the APC to ensure a transparent and level playing field for all aspirants in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

He warned that perceived imposition or preferential treatment could trigger internal dissatisfaction within the party.

“2027 should not be about political monopoly or automatic succession. It should be about vision, capacity and grassroots connection,” he said.