2027: 22 APC Govs unite, endorse Tinubu as sole presidential candidate
…Tinubu defends APC defections as sign of democratic growth
…Says APC expecting more defections
…Akpabio predicts seamless re-election for incumbent President in 2027
All 22 governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The formal declaration took place on Thursday at the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. The event, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” attracted party leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, put forward the motion endorsing Tinubu. This was quickly seconded by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, the Forum’s Vice Chairman.
The motion was passed by voice vote and received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, serving and former governors, members of the National Assembly, as well as delegates from all 36 APC state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory.
This broad endorsement followed a similar declaration from the Northwest APC bloc just five days earlier, signalling a growing consensus within the party around Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
President Tinubu addressed concerns over the recent surge of high-profile defections to the APC, stating that this trend demonstrates Nigeria’s democratic maturity rather than a move towards one-party rule.
Speaking at the summit, Tinubu dismissed fears expressed by opposition parties about a potential threat to political diversity. He stressed that freedom of association is fundamental to democracy.
“I am pleased with the progress we have made, and I expect more to join. That is how democracy works. We operate within a constitutional democracy,” Tinubu said. “Freedom of movement and association are not punishable offences. Welcome to the progressives, let’s move forward.”
The summit served as a platform to showcase the administration’s achievements and to outline the strategy for the upcoming election campaign.
Tinubu secured unanimous backing from the APC National Working Committee, the Progressive Governors Forum, and the National Assembly leadership, officially confirming him as the party’s candidate for 2027.
“The endorsement today is a clear mandate. I know the way forward. We will lead Nigeria to that promised land,” Tinubu declared, signalling his commitment to continue guiding the country.
He also reassured Nigerians about the country’s economic prospects, affirming that recovery efforts remain on track.
“The revival of the Nigerian economy is progressing well. Nigeria is on the path to industrialisation. The coming two years will be transformative. We have the mission and the vision.
“To those who feel excluded from political appointments, I urge patience—there are many opportunities ahead,” he added.
Addressing party members and supporters who have yet to receive government roles, Tinubu called for unity and patience, hinting at broader political inclusion in due course.
The summit combined a review of the government’s progress with a political rally, strengthening the APC’s internal unity and setting a clear course for the 2027 election.
Meanwhile, Tinubu reiterated his expectation of further defections to the APC ahead of the election, describing such movements as natural and healthy expressions of democratic freedom.
“I am pleased with those who have joined us so far and anticipate more will follow. This is part of the democratic process. We operate within a constitutional framework,” he said at the summit.
He rejected concerns about the party’s increasing dominance, insisting that freedom of movement and association are fundamental rights.
“Freedom of movement and association are legal rights. Welcome to the progressives—let’s clear the way,” he stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also expressed confidence that President Tinubu will secure an easier victory in 2027 compared to the competitive race in 2023.
Speaking at the summit, Akpabio pointed to growing support for Tinubu and predicted that more states would join the ruling party before the next election.
Leading the National Assembly leadership, Akpabio extended a vote of confidence to Tinubu. “The 2023 race was tough, but in 2027, I foresee a complete turnaround,” he said.
It is worth recalling that the 2023 presidential election was intensely contested, with Tinubu winning by a margin of nearly two million votes over his closest challenger, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
