President Bola Tinubu has challenged leaders of the All Progressives Congress to secure votes for his 2027 re-election bid, cautioning that their historical electoral triumphs will hold little value without another winning performance at the ballot.
Tinubu gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the party’s Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, urging members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and secure victory across the country.
“But no one gets credit for an incomplete assignment. So until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your wards, until you deliver the votes, before we can say thank you,” the President said.
He called on party leaders, governors and campaign officials to take the APC’s message to voters across states and local government areas, stressing that the party’s electoral success would depend on their commitment and performance.
Tinubu also warned that preparations for the 2027 general election must not distract his administration from its responsibilities, insisting that government business would continue alongside campaign activities.
He said Nigeria required sustained attention, particularly as the country continued to pursue economic reforms, meet its financial obligations and attract investments.
“I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” he said.
The President explained that while the campaign council would coordinate the party’s activities nationwide, he would continue to engage directly with Nigerians and attend to the demands of his office.
“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas. So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining investor confidence, Tinubu added: “We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait. We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, to invest for the future of our children.”
Tinubu charged the council to take the party’s vision, record and policy agenda to every part of the country, describing the inauguration as a renewal of the APC’s commitment to Nigerians
“Let the word go out from this hall to every corner of our nation. The APC is ready,” he said.
The President expressed confidence in the party’s ability to overcome internal disagreements, recalling predictions that the APC would split during its recent congresses.
He commended members for conducting the congresses from ward to local government, state and national levels, describing the process as evidence of the party’s resilience.
The council is chaired by Tinubu, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as first and second vice-chairmen, respectively. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari is the Director-General, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma is the sec
The President also declared his support for the establishment of state police, saying the proposed reform would become a reality as the country seeks solutions to its security challenges.
He further pledged support for efforts to increase women’s representation in the National Assembly and state legislatures, describing women as important political mobilisers and voters.
“The women deserve seats,” Tinubu said, promising to support legislative efforts aimed at improving their representation.
The President also cited Lagos State’s efforts to address the threat of Atlantic Ocean surges and coastal flooding as an example of the determination required to tackle national challenges.
“There is no limit to daring. You must dare. You must be determined,” he said.
The inauguration comes ahead of the APC’s planned campaign flag-off in Kaduna State on October 24, followed by engagements in Rivers State and Maiduguri, Borno State, as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing grassroot mobilization and accountability among party leaders. He stated that governance and administrative duties will continue alongside campaign preparations, assuring that the government remains focused on economic reforms and meeting national financial obligations.
- Positive Impact: Clear political structure and early campaign mobilization can strengthen party organization and governance focus.
- Potential Concerns: Intense political campaigning early on could potentially distract public office holders from addressing immediate economic and security challenges facing citizens.
