The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally launched its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election. Party chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said the ruling party is ready to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. Governors, lawmakers and party leaders attended. Many pledged to mobilise support for the President’s second-term bid.
Yilwatda Calls for an Issue-Based Campaign
Yilwatda urged party members to unite behind a coordinated effort. He said the campaign would rest on the administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure projects and development priorities.
He also admitted that challenges remain. According to him, the campaign must explain how the government plans to address them.
The chairman asked the council to work through party structures at the national, state, local government and ward levels. This, he said, would carry the message to every community.
He listed the key issues as:
- cost of living
- security
- employment
- education
- healthcare
- agricultural productivity
- economic opportunities
Yilwatda also stressed the role of women, young people and persons with disabilities. He called for their meaningful participation in mobilisation efforts. The APC, he added, would defend its record with facts and leave voters to decide.
Uzodimma Warns Against Overconfidence
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma serves as secretary of the council and chairs the Progressive Governors Forum. He reminded members of the party’s strong position.
According to him, the APC controls the Federal Government and both chambers of the National Assembly. It also governs 31 states and about 685 local government areas.
However, he cautioned that structures alone do not win elections. He called for unity, effective mobilisation and grassroots engagement. The party, he said, must persuade voters of the benefits of government policies.
Governors From Other Parties Back Tinubu
Support also came from outside the APC. Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo said his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), would back the President “24/7.” He argued that the reforms were difficult but necessary, and needed more time.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who belongs to the Accord Party, struck a similar note. He said four years were not enough for the reforms to deliver results. He promised to contribute to the campaign and declared the movement unstoppable.
Adeleke has been named the campaign coordinator for Osun State. Soludo is also part of the campaign structure.
Wike Sets a Tough Standard
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will coordinate the campaign in Rivers State and the FCT. He challenged all coordinators to deliver their areas.
He warned that no official should celebrate a presidential win if they failed to deliver their own state. Wike pledged substantial votes from Rivers and the FCT.
He also defended his support for the President despite belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Political differences, he argued, should not stop opposition figures from acknowledging good policies. He further backed the proposed creation of state police.
Masari and Yari Stress Grassroots Work
The President’s Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, told members to leave the conference rooms. He wants them in polling units, wards and communities. Their performance, he said, would be measured by the votes they deliver.
Masari also claimed the combined opposition vote would not reach half of what the council would deliver.
The Director-General of the council, Abdulaziz Yari, urged members to drop personal interests. He said the campaign would highlight infrastructure and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. He also pointed to women’s roles in government, including eight female ministers.
Opposition Parties Explore a Common Candidate
Meanwhile, the opposition is also making moves. Six parties have stepped up consultations on a possible joint candidate for 2027.
Their national chairmen and secretaries met with several aspirants. These included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Prince Adewole Adebayo and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke also took part.
The convener of the G100 Opposition Summit, Salihu Moh. Lukman, disclosed this on Tuesday. He said the talks aim to advance cooperation and implement the summit’s resolutions.
