President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been officially endorsed as the sole presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections. This decision was made during the APC National Stakeholders’ Summit held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, marking the second anniversary of Tinubu’s administration.
The endorsement was a collective agreement by the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), the 22 governors under the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), and the leadership of the National Assembly. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the PGF, initiated the motion, which was seconded by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also expressed their support, leading to a unanimous voice vote in favor of Tinubu’s candidacy.
President Tinubu, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s progress. He highlighted the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency liberalization, as steps taken to revitalize the nation’s economy. While acknowledging the challenges these reforms have posed, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring that the benefits would become more evident in the coming years.
The President also addressed the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC, describing them as a natural realignment in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. “You don’t blame people for leaving a sinking ship,” Tinubu remarked, indicating his expectation of more defections in the future.
However, the opposition has criticized the APC’s early endorsement of Tinubu, viewing it as a strategic move to consolidate power. Tanko Yinusa, spokesman for Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, warned that such actions could lead to internal conflicts within the APC. Similarly, Chief Peter Ameh of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the endorsement as a “desperate bid for power,” suggesting it reflects the APC’s disconnect from the nation’s realities.
Despite the criticisms, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje defended the party’s decision, emphasizing the developmental strides achieved under Tinubu’s leadership. He highlighted the party’s transformation from an electoral force into a governing institution, citing successes at the presidential level, legislative dominance, and control of most Nigerian states and local governments as evidence of the trust Nigerians place in the APC.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the political landscape is witnessing significant shifts, with the APC consolidating its position and the opposition strategizing to counter the ruling party’s influence. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of the nation’s democracy and governance.
