APC Convenes Behind Tinubu

APC Congresses Across Nigeria Endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027 Presidential Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has seen a wave of endorsements across several states in Nigeria, with the party officially endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 presidential elections. This development marks a significant step in the party’s preparations for the upcoming national elections.

State Chapters Reinforce Support

Several state chapters of the APC have reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu, even before formal campaigns have begun. At least five states—Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Taraba, and Edo—have taken this step, calling on the president to contest for the party’s ticket. Other states that did not directly endorse Tinubu still commended him for his efforts in developing the country.

In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani emphasized the importance of aligning party structures with national objectives. He highlighted the adoption of consensus candidates as a sign of political maturity and unity. The governor assured party members that the Kaduna APC would focus on governance, development, and electoral victory.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen urged the newly elected State Executive Committee (EXCO) of the APC in Kaduna to mobilize no fewer than two million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. He also called for similar support for Governor Sani.

At the state level, 36 executive members were affirmed and sworn in, underscoring the party’s strong structure and presence in every community. Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged as the consensus chairman of the party at the end of the state congress held at the Murtala Muhammed Square.

Gombe State Endorses Tinubu

The Gombe State chapter of the APC also endorsed President Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The endorsement was made during the party’s congress held yesterday to elect new leadership in the state to run its affairs for the next four years.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the endorsement as a demonstration of appreciation for courageous and quality leadership at a time the nation is confronting difficult economic and governance challenges. He noted that Gombe is a stronghold of the APC, with impressive membership strength and unity.

Edo State Supports Tinubu and Other Leaders

The newly elected executives of the APC in Edo State, led by Jarrett Tenebe, formally endorsed President Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole for second term in office. Daily Trust reports that in a unanimous voice affirmation, the delegates returned the 36-member state executive, led by Tenebe, for another four-year term.

Tenebe emphasized the party’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the agenda. The chairman of the National Congress Committee, Kabiru Ajana, praised the governor for fostering unity within the Edo APC and urged other states to emulate the example.

Kebbi State Reaffirms Support

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State once again endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. The party also returned all its executives by affirmation. Governor Nasir Idris at the congress enjoined the new executives to work for the re-election of President Tinubu. He stated that Kebbi was the first state to endorse him for a second term.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, affirmed his loyalty and support to Governor Idris, the APC, and President Tinubu. He urged the new executives to work for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Idris.

Concerns About Internal Democracy

While many state chapters have endorsed President Tinubu, concerns about internal democracy have been raised. A political scientist at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Gbade Ojo, expressed concerns about the adoption of Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate. He argued that it suggests the party has been captured, with no dissenting voices or competition.

Ojo explained that when a party produces a sole candidate without contest, it defeats the essence of democratic competition within the party structure. He compared this to previous instances where candidates had to compete in primaries.

Parallel Congresses and Leadership Changes

Aside from the endorsements, the party recorded parallel congresses in Benue State. Two separate congresses held simultaneously produced two parallel chairmen and state working committees. One faction elected Benjamin Omale as the new state chairman, while the other affirmed the Comrade Austin Agada-led State Executive Committee.

In Ogun State, Yemi Sanusi was re-elected for a third term as APC Chairman. In Lagos State, Cornelius Ojelabi was returned for another term in office. In Oyo, Moses Alake Adeyemo emerged as the chairman of APC. In Ondo State, Kolawole Babatunde was elected as the new state chairman.

In Sokoto, Alhaji Haruna S. Adiya was elected chairman of the APC following a consensus-based process. In Kwara, Prince Sunday Fagbemi was affirmed as the party chairman.

Kano and Nasarawa States

The Kano APC had earlier constituted three committees to oversee the conduct of the congress slated to hold at the Indoor Sports Stadium, Kofar Mata by 8:00pm. The party reiterated its commitment to strengthening internal democracy and consolidating unity within its ranks in Kano State.

In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule welcomed back defectors, including Deputy Speaker Adamu Oyanki, Senator Philip Aruwa Gyunka, and former PDP gubernatorial candidate, David Ombugadu. He assured those who did not make it back to the party that they are still members and can occupy other positions in government and the party.