He said during an interview:
“I certainly was told before I came into the party there would be an automatic ticket for me.”
Nwoko also alleged that the primary election was manipulated and accused the APC of betrayal after he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2025.
The All Progressives Congress has consistently rejected claims that it grants automatic election tickets to serving lawmakers or politicians who defect from other parties. According to the party leadership, there is no official arrangement that guarantees any aspirant a direct nomination without contest. Party officials have repeatedly emphasized that all interested candidates, regardless of their status, influence, or political history, are expected to take part in the established primary election process before emerging as candidates for public office.
The leadership insists that the party remains committed to internal democracy and fairness in the selection of candidates. By requiring every aspirant to participate in primaries, the party says it is protecting the rights of ordinary members and ensuring that candidates emerge through transparent and competitive procedures. The APC has also argued that reports suggesting preferential treatment for defectors or incumbent lawmakers are misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension among party members ahead of elections.
