The All Progressives Congress (APC) affirmed its openness to members contesting for the 2027 presidential ticket, despite endorsing President Bola Tinubu for another term. Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, mentioned that while the party is inclined towards a consensus candidate, they will respect members' democratic rights to run for the position if they choose to do so. This reflects the party's commitment to democratic principles, allowing any aspirants to test their popularity within the party.

Duru emphasized that while consensus is a preferred route, the party acknowledges the traditional advantage incumbents have when seeking re-election, especially if their performance meets the party's expectations. He pointed out that a strong performance typically grants the incumbent not only the support of party structures but also the benefit of the "right of first refusal," which essentially means they are first in line for endorsement based on their achievements in office.

The APC's stance illustrates a balancing act between maintaining party unity and allowing for democratic competition within its ranks. This announcement is significant as it sets the stage for potential intra-party rivalry while the party aims to solidify its position ahead of the upcoming elections. The response could also be seen as a strategic move to showcase the party's democratic nature, especially in a political climate where party loyalty often overrides individual aspirations.