The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has declared that it will not present its own presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, indicating a plan to instead adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, the National Chairman of APGA, revealed this during a press briefing in Lagos when questioned about the party's strategy regarding presidential endorsements.
He further commented on recent modifications to the Electoral Act, suggesting that the stipulation for direct primaries would help eliminate the costly primary elections typically held to select candidates for various political parties.
Ezeokenwa explained that APGA's decision to back Tinubu is based on the confidence the President has shown in the party.
"We anticipate that if he secures his party's nomination through direct primaries at the APC national convention, I can assure you that the APGA national convention will officially adopt him as our presidential candidate," he stated.
When asked about the rationale behind APGA endorsing a candidate from another political party, Ezeokenwa pointed out that this is not a new occurrence for the party.
He reminded attendees that APGA had previously adopted former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for both the 2011 and 2015 presidential elections, emphasizing that such a practice is legally permissible.
"We have opted to return to this policy for a specific reason. Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope Agenda' aligns with our vision. He has treated us with good faith, and we share a similar ideology. Should he win his party's nomination, we will endorse him," he added.
Ezeokenwa also touched upon legal requirements, noting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be notified at least 21 days prior to a party's primaries, congresses, or conventions.
The Electoral Act specifies that only registered members whose names are on the party's register will be eligible to vote or contend in party primaries.
However, the APGA Chairman expressed his views: "The constitution mandates party membership, but it does not grant anyone the authority to dictate who my members should be. That is not their concern."
"There is a deliberate effort to weaken smaller parties and prevent them from fielding capable candidates. Nevertheless, I believe one of the positive aspects of the new law is its potential to foster a stronger commitment to political party ideologies. Currently, many view political parties merely as special purpose vehicles. We fully endorse direct primaries and urge INEC to ensure the integrity of elections."
He announced that in compliance with the new legislation, the party has initiated its digital membership registration and revalidation drive, which will continue for one month, starting from March 1st.
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