Mahdi Shehu has spoken out against the concept of automatic tickets in democratic systems, labeling it as unconventional and unacceptable. This criticism comes amidst reports of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s planned defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a recent post, Shehu emphasized that democracy does not support the idea of automatic tickets, as it undermines the principles of fairness and choice. He stated that “automatic tickets are alien, strange and unknown in a real democracy,” highlighting that such arrangements have no place in a democratic setup.
Shehu’s comments were made in response to reports that Governor Yusuf’s potential defection to the APC has hit a snag due to the party’s refusal to guarantee him an automatic ticket for the 2027 governorship election in Kano State. The governor’s alleged demand for an automatic ticket has reportedly been met with resistance from the APC, leading to a stalemate in the defection talks.
Shehu further emphasized the inappropriateness of automatic tickets by saying, “The only automatic ticket available to everybody is the inevitable automatic ticket to the grave.” He also warned that attempting to manipulate the democratic process by offering or demanding automatic tickets can have severe consequences, as it oversteps the boundaries set by a higher authority.
The development has significant implications for the political landscape in Kano State, as Governor Yusuf’s potential defection could have a substantial impact on the balance of power in the region. The APC’s refusal to grant an automatic ticket to the governor suggests that the party is committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring a fair selection process for its candidates.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the stalemate will be resolved and what the consequences will be for the parties involved. The debate over automatic tickets highlights the importance of adhering to democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process is fair, transparent, and representative of the people’s will.
