State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have proactively endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, positioning him as the party's presumptive candidate for the 2027 presidential contest. This wave of endorsements has been observed in numerous states, often occurring well before official campaign periods commence.
Yesterday, at least five states, including Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Taraba, and Edo, renewed their calls for the president to seek the party's ticket. Other states expressed commendation for the president's governance efforts and national development initiatives.
In Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani reiterated the state chapter's commitment to President Tinubu's 'Renewed Hope Agenda.' He emphasized that party structures would align with national objectives and mobilize support from the grassroots level to ensure electoral success in 2027. Governor Sani highlighted that the adoption of consensus candidates demonstrates political maturity and unity within the party.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, urged the newly elected State Executive Committee (EXCO) in Kaduna to secure a minimum of two million votes for President Tinubu and Governor Sani in the 2027 general elections. He stressed the importance of uniting all party factions and mobilizing voters effectively.
In Kaduna, 36 executive members were affirmed, underscoring the party's organizational strength. Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged as the consensus chairman following extensive consultations among party leaders and stakeholders. Sankay pledged to serve with dedication and deliver measurable results.
In Gombe State, the APC also declared President Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for 2027 during its state congress. The motion, supported by members of the House of Representatives, was affirmed by voice vote. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the endorsement as a testament to the appreciation for President Tinubu's leadership amidst national economic and governance challenges. He noted Gombe's strength as an APC stronghold, evidenced by its significant number of newly registered members.
The newly elected executives in Edo State, led by Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, formally endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for second terms. The 36-member state executive, including Tenebe, was returned unopposed. Tenebe cited their performance and positive impact on citizens' lives as reasons for the endorsement. Senator Adams Oshiomhole was also endorsed for a second term based on his quality representation. The National Congress Committee chairman, Kabiru Ajana, commended the unity within the Edo APC, noting the consensus reached for all positions.
Kebbi State's APC chapter also reaffirmed its endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, with all existing executives affirmed. Governor Nasir Idris urged the new executives to work towards President Tinubu's and his own re- election, citing Tinubu's performance and positive impact on the state and nation. Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, pledged loyalty and support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Idris.
In Taraba State, the APC's State Working Committee (SWC) endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Agbu Kefas for second terms in their respective positions. Alhaji Abubakar Bawa was elected the new state chairman of the APC.
Meanwhile, a political scientist, Prof. Gbade Ojo from the University of Ilorin, expressed concerns about internal democracy within the APC due to the sole candidacy approach. He suggested that such endorsements might indicate a 'capture' of the party, where dissent is stifled and competition is absent. He drew parallels with past instances where a president faced no internal opposition.
Historically, presidential nominations have involved various processes. In 2003, President Olusegun Obasanjo competed with other aspirants. In 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan was adopted by the national executive. President Muhammadu Buhari underwent a direct primary in 2019. The Electoral Act of 2026 outlines provisions for direct primaries and consensus in candidate selection.
The APC in Benue State experienced parallel congresses, resulting in two distinct state chairmen and executive committees. One faction elected Benjamin Omale, while another affirmed the existing Comrade Austin Agada-led executive. Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the peaceful conduct of the congresses and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. Both Omale and Agada, speaking from their respective congresses, pledged to work for the party's success.
In Ogun State, Chairman Yemi Sanusi was re-elected for a third term, with other executive members also affirmed through consensus. Governor Dapo Abiodun urged the new leaders to focus on grassroots engagement. In Lagos State, current chairman Cornelius Ojelabi was returned through consensus, alongside other executive members, with notable party stalwarts in attendance. In Oyo State, former deputy governor Moses Alake Adeyemo emerged as the new chairman via consensus. In Ondo State, Kolawole Babatunde, a former House of Representatives member, became the new state chairman, elected by voice vote after consensus among stakeholders.
Sokoto State's APC elected Alhaji Haruna S. Adiya as its new chairman through a consensus process, affirmed by voice vote. Prominent stakeholders, including Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, were present. Delta State APC also elected Chief Solomon Arenyeka as chairman by consensus, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urging preparations for the 2027 elections.
Kwara State APC affirmed its chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, and other state executive committee members during its congress. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq highlighted the party's achievements and the collapse of opposition, urging continued hard work.
The Kano APC scheduled its congress for later in the evening, having formed committees to ensure a transparent process. The party expressed its commitment to strengthening internal democracy and unity.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State welcomed defectors back to the APC, including former PDP members. He declared that opposition in the state had effectively collapsed. The newly elected state chairman, Aliyu Bello, pledged to support the governor and the party.
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