By Cross Udo, Abuja
In a bold and united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared President Bola Tinubu its sole presidential candidate for a second term.
The declaration was made yesterday during the APC National Summit, which was attended by the party’s National Working Committee (NEC), the Progressive Governors Forum, and the National Assembly caucus.
The move signals a substantial consolidation of support within the ruling party and sets the tone for an early start to election strategies in the build-up to 2027.
Speaking at the Summit, with the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey so far,” at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said one party was ruling and driving Nigerians’ aspirations.
The President also said that the Constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement and association.
Tinubu cited the constitutional right to freedom of association and portrayed the opposition as politically unstable.
The President said he was expecting more members of the opposition political parties to join the ruling APC before the 2027 election.
“You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship. I am expecting more to come. That is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy that guarantees freedom of movement and association. Welcome to the progressives,” he said.
Tinubu tacitly endorsed the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, describing him as a member of the think-tank theme.
Reacting to his endorsement as the sole candidate, the President responded with optimism, “The endorsement today – the ‘carry go’ expression – I know road. We will lead you to the Promised Land. The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course.
“You are the leaders and the conscience of this country. Nigeria will be industrialised. The next two years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision.”
He assured party loyalists of better days ahead, saying, “To many of you, I have not offered political positions. Be patient; many things are coming.”
The All Progressives Congress APC formally adopted President Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, made the declaration on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC), stating,” As the Chairman of the party and as the only recognised platform to field a candidate in any election, I hereby affirm the endorsement of the President.”
Ganduje’s pronouncement solidified what had become evident throughout the summit – President Tinubu remains the undisputed leader of the ruling party and its presumptive flag bearer.
The endorsement carries significant weight within the APC, particularly as the party moves to close ranks in the face of opposition realignments.
The NWC and party stakeholders’ declaration guarantees Tinubu’s re-nomination with formal primaries still constitutionally required.
Tinubu’s candidacy for a second term received unanimous backing from both APC governors and the leadership of the National Assembly.
Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, moved the motion to adopt Tinubu, which was seconded by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Uzodimma pledged the governors’ total commitment to delivering victory in 2027.
“We are united in our support for President Tinubu. He remains the best candidate to lead the country through this critical period.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed the endorsement, moving a similar motion on behalf of the National Assembly leadership.
Flanked by Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas and other key lawmakers, Akpabio praised Tinubu’s political acumen and economic policies:
“Despite the difficult 2023 election, President Tinubu has repositioned Nigeria on a growth path. I see a clear momentum in his favour for 2027.”
Akpabio revealed that even opposition lawmakers, including a Labour Party senator, have expressed interest in joining the APC:
“That tells you the political sagacity of President Tinubu.”
Speaker Abbas lauded Tinubu’s economic reforms – subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, infrastructure investment, and foreign partnerships – as transformative:
“Despite the initial pain, reforms have boosted public revenues, increased foreign reserves, and restored investor confidence. GDP growth is at its highest since 2015.”
Abbas urged APC members to mobilise at the grassroots and align with Tinubu’s vision to secure another electoral victory.
Observers note that the endorsements from governors and lawmakers signal deep internal consensus within the APC, effectively eliminating serious internal challenges to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The move also comes as opposition forces are rumoured to coalesce around a new platform, possibly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), prompting the APC to reinforce unity early.
The APC National Summit was convened to assess the performance of the Tinubu administration.
