President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been formally endorsed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The endorsement was announced by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, during the party’s National Summit held on Thursday at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Dr. Ganduje, speaking on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC), stated that the party had reviewed President Tinubu’s performance and found him worthy of another term. He said the endorsement reflected the unanimous decision of the party’s leadership and aligned with the sentiments of the party’s base and elected officials nationwide. According to Ganduje, Tinubu’s leadership since May 2023 had restored investor confidence, revitalized national institutions, and repositioned Nigeria for economic growth.
The declaration came just hours after APC governors, through the Progressive Governors’ Forum, passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu. They also pledged to support his re-election efforts, signifying strong party unity behind the President’s 2027 ambitions.
Akpabio: Tinubu Is Nigeria’s Sole Presidential Candidate Of APC
Senate President Godswill Akpabio added dramatic flair to the party’s endorsement by proclaiming President Bola Tinubu as not only the APC’s candidate, but “Nigeria’s sole presidential candidate” for 2027. Akpabio made the bold statement during the APC National Summit, claiming that Tinubu had outperformed all expectations since assuming office.
According to Akpabio, the current political landscape in Nigeria has shifted significantly under Tinubu’s leadership. He insisted that opposition parties had been rendered ineffective and fragmented, making the APC the only credible political platform remaining. “All other political parties have been turned into shreds,” he said, drawing a standing ovation from party delegates.
The Senate President described Tinubu’s leadership as a difficult job done excellently and said Nigerians were ready to reward him with another term. He expressed confidence that no other candidate from any political party could rival Tinubu in popularity or national impact heading into 2027.
Governors Pledge Loyalty and Mobilization for 2027
The APC endorsement of Tinubu was further reinforced by state governors under the party’s umbrella. Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, took the lead in championing Tinubu’s second term bid during the summit.
Uzodimma stated that both Southern and Northern APC governors had held separate consultations and arrived at the unanimous decision to support Tinubu’s candidacy. He emphasized that the governors were not just endorsing the President symbolically but were ready to mobilize and deliver electoral victories across their states in 2027.
“The governors produced by the APC are hereby charged to take responsibility to market all federal government policies, occupy all political space in their domains, and win all elections in their states come 2027,” Uzodimma declared. He concluded by formally moving the motion for the party to adopt Tinubu as its flag bearer, a motion that was promptly seconded and adopted by the assembly.
A Show of Unity Amidst Political Fragmentation
The events at the APC National Summit painted a picture of party unity rarely seen in Nigerian politics. With simultaneous endorsements from the party’s leadership, governors, and lawmakers, Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy has taken off with considerable institutional backing.
Observers note that such a sweeping and early endorsement sends a clear signal to both internal and external political players that Tinubu remains firmly in control of the ruling party. It also suggests that the APC is looking to minimize internal contestation ahead of the next general election, a strategy aimed at consolidating strength and avoiding fractures witnessed in previous election cycles.
However, critics argue that early endorsements might stifle internal democracy and prevent robust debate within the party. They warn that treating Tinubu as a “sole candidate” could alienate potential contenders and deepen discontent among party members not in his immediate circle.
Opposition Faces Uphill Task in 2027
With the APC consolidating behind Tinubu, Nigeria’s opposition parties face a monumental challenge. While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others are yet to present clear roadmaps for 2027, the APC has surged ahead with a unified message and campaign strategy.
Akpabio’s claim that no other candidate will emerge to rival Tinubu may be hyperbolic, but it reflects the confidence within APC ranks. For the opposition, the challenge is not only to present viable candidates but also to unite fragmented coalitions and restore public confidence in their platforms.
Political analysts believe the endorsement may ignite internal reconfigurations within other parties, potentially leading to new alliances or the emergence of a formidable opposition figure. Until then, the momentum remains firmly with President Tinubu and the ruling APC
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