President Bola Tinubu has reportedly declined requests for automatic return tickets for serving lawmakers ahead of the 2027 elections.
Instead, the President is said to have reaffirmed that APC governors will play the leading role in deciding candidates during party primaries in their states.
The development followed separate meetings with Senate leaders and governors at the Presidential Villa.
Sources said some federal lawmakers had hoped to secure direct support for their re-election ambitions.
However, Tinubu reportedly maintained that governors remain the political leaders of the party in their various states and should guide the candidate selection process.
The decision has triggered fresh anxiety among lawmakers who currently have strained relationships with their state governors.
Many senators and House members are now expected to face tougher political battles to secure party tickets.
Following the meeting, governors were said to have received approval to proceed with primaries in line with the Electoral Act and party rules.
This means candidates may emerge through consensus arrangements or direct primaries, depending on what is adopted in each state.
Some governors later confirmed that discussions focused on ensuring transparent primaries and strengthening party unity before the general election.
The ruling party has also released a revised timetable for the 2027 primary elections.
Under the schedule, House of Representatives primaries are expected first, followed by Senate, state assembly, governorship and presidential contests.
Party officials insisted that no provision exists for automatic tickets under the APC constitution.
They added that performance, acceptability and due process would influence re-election chances rather than incumbency alone.
The latest position may affect several lawmakers already facing resistance from governors or rival blocs in their home states.
In some states, serving senators are considering governorship races, while others may struggle to retain their seats.
Political observers say the move strengthens governors ahead of the primaries and shifts bargaining power away from the National Assembly.
It may also lead to intense internal contests as aspirants fight for endorsements and party structures.
With preparations for 2027 gathering pace, the coming primaries are expected to shape alliances, defections and major power shifts across the ruling party.
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