The All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, expressing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and urging party leaders and political allies to secure his re-election.
The inauguration, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, attracted several political figures, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, despite their affiliations with other political parties.
Tinubu, who was represented by his campaign team during the nationwide mobilisation, said he would remain focused on governance rather than participate in every campaign activity. He stressed that the country required his attention, adding that government responsibilities would continue despite the electioneering process.
The President also expressed optimism that state police would become a reality and promised progress on the proposed reserved seats for women in the National Assembly. He, however, warned party members against complacency, insisting that their performance would be judged by their ability to deliver votes in their respective states and local government areas.
Vice President Kashim Shettima criticised opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, over their economic positions and comparisons between Nigeria and other countries. He argued that policies must reflect Nigeria’s population, economic structure and unique circumstances.
Soludo pledged the support of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Tinubu’s re-election, describing the political alignment behind the President as evidence of growing elite consensus. Wike also promised to mobilise support for Tinubu in Rivers State and the FCT, while Adeleke said the President needed more time for his reforms to yield results.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda urged campaign council members to communicate the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, energy and digital connectivity while acknowledging existing challenges. Director-General of the council, Abdulaziz Yari, said the campaign would focus on securing Tinubu’s return to office.
However, Atiku Abubakar’s camp criticised the enlarged council, arguing that the number of political figures involved would not erase the hardship Nigerians were experiencing. His spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, also questioned the use of the Presidential Villa for an APC political event.
Meanwhile, the campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the council as a coalition of failed politicians, accusing the Tinubu administration of worsening economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment. It argued that the coalition could not replace accountability and measurable results.
Tinubu emerged as the APC’s presidential candidate in May, while the campaign council was constituted in August. A revised membership list released on Tuesday included Wike, Soludo and Adeleke.
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