APC Zones Rally Behind President Tinubu for 2027 Candidacy
As the deadline for political parties to commence primary elections approaches, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is making significant strides towards officially endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. This consolidated support across various party zones indicates a clear direction for the ruling party as it gears up for the next electoral cycle.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set a revised timetable for party primaries, with the process for conducting these elections, including the resolution of any disputes, scheduled to begin on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026. The APC’s proactive moves to secure a consensus candidate well in advance of this period underscore a strategic approach to electoral preparedness.
In a series of congresses held across the six geopolitical zones of the APC on a recent Wednesday, party delegates unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to supporting President Tinubu as their flag bearer. This zonal consensus follows similar declarations made by state chapters of the party during their respective congresses in the preceding weeks, demonstrating a widespread alignment within the APC’s grassroots structure.
The zonal congresses were convened at their respective headquarters:
* North East: Gombe
* North Central: Lafia
* North West: Kaduna
* South South: Asaba
* South East: Enugu
* South West: Lagos
The North Central zone was notably the first to formally adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its exclusive presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. The motion for this adoption was put forth by the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, and was seconded by the host governor, Abdullahi Sule. Governor Sule cited the substantial achievements recorded under President Tinubu’s leadership as the primary rationale for the zone’s decision.
Akume further emphasized the North Central Zone’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s national development and implored party members to dedicate their efforts towards securing the highest possible vote count for Tinubu in 2027. He urged a proactive stance, stating, “Don’t sleep. You must toil and sweat as if you were controlling only 10 states.” Following this endorsement, delegates from Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) re-elected Mu’azu Mohammed Bawa Rijau as the Zonal Vice Chairman of the APC North Central zone.
Similarly, the South-West chapter of the APC, during its congress, pledged to deliver the highest number of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election. The newly elected zonal chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, reiterated the zone’s unwavering commitment to providing overwhelming support for President Tinubu. “We need your support. Our duty is to ensure overwhelming support for the president. That is the responsibility we have. Let’s ensure that the South-West delivers the highest votes for Tinubu in 2027,” he declared.
Prominent figures in attendance at the South-West congress included Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, present with other governors from the zone, characterized the congress as a fair and constitutionally compliant exercise.
At the South South zonal congress, all attending governors pledged their full support for the president’s re-election bid. Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, lauded the adoption of a consensus approach for electing zonal officials, viewing it as an effective strategy for fostering unity and strengthening the party in preparation for 2027. Speaking at the APC South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba, Delta State, Governor Diri expressed his satisfaction with the region’s unified political voice under the APC and underscored the importance of the South-South’s participation in national decision-making processes. During this congress, Chief Victor Giadom, a political associate of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was re-elected as Zonal Vice Chairman. Samuel Nwanosike, also an ally of the FCT minister, secured the position of zonal publicity secretary, among other elected officials.
In the North West, Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for President Tinubu’s ongoing reform initiatives, assuring them of “greater opportunities lie ahead” as these policies mature. Speaking at the APC North-West Zonal Congress in Kaduna, the governor shifted the discourse towards the broader economic outlook, urging delegates to serve as harbingers of hope and progress within their respective states. “Tell our people that the North West is on a path of progress. Tell them that the sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for a more secure, prosperous, and inclusive tomorrow. And tell them that greater opportunities lie ahead as President Tinubu’s reforms continue to take root,” Sani stated. He linked these aspirations to observable improvements in regional security and economic activity, which he believes should bolster citizen confidence. The newly elected Vice Chairman, Garba Datti Babawo, vowed that the new executive team would work to ensure President Tinubu’s victory in the next election. He expressed gratitude to APC stakeholders and called on the region’s governors to provide necessary support to the zonal party executives in their duties leading up to the general elections. The leadership for the North West zone was notably returned to existing executives through a general consensus among party stakeholders.
The North East congress saw Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State urging APC members in the region to unite and mobilize support for the president’s re-election campaign. Buni, who also serves as the APC North East Coordinator, made this call at the party’s zonal congress in Gombe, where new executives were elected. He highlighted the North East’s enduring significance in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri also addressed the congress, emphasizing the critical role of unity and cooperation among party stakeholders for electoral success. The event was attended by a broad spectrum of APC leaders, including governors, ministers, and delegates from across the North East, underscoring the region’s strategic importance to the APC’s ambition of retaining power. Newly elected zonal executive committee members include Idris Shu’aibu (Vice Chairman), Baba Ali (Secretary), Nitte Amangal (Publicity Secretary), and Hajiya Lumbi Abubakar (Women Leader).
At the South East convention, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State commended President Tinubu for his reform initiatives, asserting that they have positioned Nigeria for economic growth. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State affirmed that the consensus-based selection process aligns with the party’s constitution and reflects internal cohesion. “I congratulate members of our great party for the steady growth in membership across the South-East. Today’s exercise reflects our unity and commitment to progress,” Uzodimma remarked. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, who was returned as the South-East National Vice Chairman, expressed his gratitude to party members for their confidence. Notable attendees at the congress included Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, former Senate President Chief Ken Nnamani, and former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige.
The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yiltwada, represented by Deputy National Secretary Abdulkarim Kana, lauded the North Central zone for its loyalty to the party’s “Renewed Hope” agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu, describing the zone as a “steadfast fortress” for the APC. He characterized the zone as a “political bridge” for Nigeria and stressed the importance of unity among party members. Yiltwada congratulated the newly inaugurated zonal officers and urged them to uphold party unity and engage in grassroots mobilization activities in anticipation of the 2027 elections. “The national working committee expects you to uphold unity, be true ambassadors, represent the ideals of progress, accountability, and people-centered APC,” Yiltwada concluded.
