2027: APC adopts Tinubu as sole presidential candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. 

The decision was announced on Thursday during the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

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 recognized 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. 

With formal primaries still constitutionally required, the declaration by the NWC and party stakeholders all but guarantees Tinubu’s re-nomination.

ALSO READ: UPDATED: APC govs, NASS caucus, others endorse Tinubu for second term

President Tinubu’s candidacy for a second term received unanimous backing from both APC governors and the leadership of the National Assembly.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, moved the motion to adopt Tinubu, 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.”

The endorsement was also echoed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who moved 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 path to growth. I see a clear momentum in his favor 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 mobilize 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 rumored to be coalescing around a new platform, possibly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), prompting the APC to reinforce unity early.

Following the endorsement President Tinubu expressed confidence that more members of opposition parties will defect to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing delegates at the APC National Summit, Tinubu cited the constitutional right to freedom of association and portrayed the opposition as politically unstable:

“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.”

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.”

He assured party loyalists of better days ahead:

“Nigeria will be industrialized. The next two years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision. To many of you I have not offered political positions – be patient, many things are coming.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE