APC Leaders Consider Adopting Tinubu as Sole Candidate for 2027

Prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Yakubu Dogara, and former Katsina State Governor Hon. Aminu Masari, have indicated that the party's leadership is preparing for its National Convention and the potential endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

These statements were made on Monday in Abuja during preliminary meetings of sub-committees, such as the Environment and Sanitation committee, which is chaired by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, in anticipation of the convention scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

In a related development, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has resolved to maintain the existing zoning arrangement for the election of national executive members of the party following a late-night meeting.

Speaking on Monday, Ayade highlighted the party's focus on repositioning to foster a new Nigeria with a clear agenda prioritizing citizens above all else. He also commended the FCT management for maintaining cleanliness.

Ayade added, “I want to say that we will end this with a calisthenics dance, a dance that shows that we are indeed prepared for the elections come next year. Indeed, it is very clear that our president has done so well. And so we are here to celebrate the convention and, of course, an adoption of sort of President Bola Tinubu.”

Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Convention Central Coordination Committee, expressed readiness for both the convention and the 2027 elections, stating, “We are ready, you can see that we are ready. And we are waiting for 2027, and our convention. We are ready for it, come Saturday.”

Dogara commented that the current proceedings reflect the anticipated outcomes of the convention, emphasizing a focus on both domestic and international agendas.

He remarked, “We have walked around, we have seen how clean this city is and like the co-chairman has said, kudos to whoever is managing the FCT administration. Of course, the emphasis is on Nigerians. I want everybody to know that just as injury has pain, the healing process, too, carries pain. The reforms being embarked upon will take time.

“I’m happy that we have President Tinubu; someone who is courageous, someone who is dedicated to the progress of this country. As benefits of these reforms begin to crystalise, Nigerians will see clearly why we should return him back. As far as I’m concerned, this convention has offered us the opportunity not only to showcase what the party can do, but to render an account to the teeming populace, ahead of the 2027 election.”

Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Aspirants’ Screening Sub-committee, pledged fairness and justice for all aspirants during the screening process, assuring them that no one would face victimisation.

He stated, “We are going to be transparent. We are going to be fair. We are going to be just to all of them (aspirants). They are party members and the party has guidelines that guide what we’re going to do. We are going to do everything in accordance with the constitution of the party and Electoral Act. So they don’t have anything to fear.”

Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State and co-chairman of the committee, expressed gratitude for the groundwork laid by seniors members, noting it as an example of selfless service.

He said, “Mine is to appreciate all of you for laying a very good foundation for us to learn from you. I was shocked when I sighted Distinguished Senator Ken Nnamani and others. It is a very good example for us that this is a selfless service to our party and nation. This is not about APC but for the country.”

Senator Uche Ekwunife, the committee secretary, affirmed the ruling party's readiness not only for the convention but also for the 2027 elections.

Ekwunife declared, “Let Nigerians know that APC is prepared. We are not just prepared for the convention, we are prepared for the 2027 elections, when we are going to return our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. We want to let them know that we are not just green, we are ready, we are prepared, we are confident that in 2027, APC is going to win landslide, 90 per cent of all the votes cast in Nigeria. President Tinubu is coming back.”

The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has confirmed its decision to uphold the established zoning formula for electing national executive members of the APC.

This decision was reached during a meeting that concluded in the early hours of Monday. The governors reasoned that with the president retaining his position, there is no justification for altering the party's zoning of offices.

Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the PGF, shared this position with reporters, adding that the forum also discussed international affairs, including the conflict in the Persian Gulf and its potential impact on Nigeria.

A statement from the PGF, issued through Uzodimma, indicated that deliberations covered national development, the responsibilities of state leadership, and the commitment of progressive governors to translate national reforms into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

The statement reiterated the forum's dedication to principled governance, democratic stability, and President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Key aspects of the discussions focused on the president's efforts to address the nation's security challenges, alongside economic renewal, social welfare, infrastructure development, food systems, and the promotion of cooperative federalism.

The forum noted that the president's recent visit to the United Kingdom was part of broader diplomatic efforts concerning security and development. They welcomed his commitment to continued strategic engagement with other nations to bolster collaboration on security and other development priorities.

According to the statement, "The forum appreciated Mr. President’s openness, clarity of purpose, and commitment to building a stronger Federation. In attendance were governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Forum also met with the National Leadership of the Party to discuss very important party matters.

“The meeting served as a platform for policy alignment, institutional reflection, and renewed solidarity around the ideals of progressive governance, which place the human person at the centre of public policy and understand government not merely as an instrument of power, but as a trust for justice, order, and shared prosperity.”

The statement further explained that regarding "National Direction and the Burden of Leadership," the APC governors reviewed the national political, economic, and security landscape. Members acknowledged that reform periods are inherently challenging as they require a nation to move beyond current comforts toward a more sustainable future.

The PGF reaffirmed that effective leadership is measured not only by its response to immediate pressures but also by its courage to establish foundations for long-term stability, productivity, and inclusivity.