The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday inaugurated its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, with President Bola Tinubu urging members to mobilise support for his re-election while ensuring that campaign activities do not distract him from governance.
The inauguration, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, attracted top government officials, APC leaders and politicians from other parties who pledged to support Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Among those present were Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Also in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu said he agreed with the decision to allow him to concentrate on governance rather than accompany campaign officials on nationwide tours.
He said Nigeria required his attention, adding that government responsibilities would continue regardless of political activities.
“The job must go on. 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,” the President said.
Tinubu also expressed support for the establishment of state police, declaring that it would become a reality. He further expressed optimism about the passage of legislation to provide reserved seats for women, saying women’s representation in the National Assembly and state-level political institutions would increase.
The President warned campaign council members against complacency, insisting that their performance would be measured by their ability to deliver votes in their respective wards and local government areas.
He said the APC had emerged stronger and more united despite predictions that internal party congresses would trigger divisions.
Tinubu described himself as the party’s “errand man” and pledged to remain committed to his promises and the APC manifesto before formally inaugurating the council.
Shettima criticises opposition figures
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima criticised opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Shettima questioned Atiku’s proposal on production subsidies, arguing that the policy raised concerns about funding and competing national priorities.
He also criticised Obi’s use of international comparisons in discussing Nigeria’s economy, particularly comparisons with Bangladesh, saying differences in population, economic structures and institutions must be considered when evaluating policy options.
Shettima maintained that economic policies adopted by other countries could not be transferred directly to Nigeria without accounting for the country’s specific circumstances.
Soludo, Adeleke and Wike pledge support
Soludo, who spoke on behalf of APGA, said his party would support Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that the administration should be given an opportunity to continue its work.
The Anambra governor described the gathering as evidence of broad political support for the President and said APGA remained committed to the campaign.
Adeleke also backed Tinubu, saying four years was insufficient for the President’s economic reforms to produce their intended results.
“We must give our father, the President of this nation, time for his reform to work. It’s not easy. Four years is not enough,” Adeleke said.
Wike, who disclosed that he learnt of his appointment as campaign director for Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory through a newspaper, pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu in both areas.
The FCT minister said he was speaking as a PDP member and leader, adding that he expected Rivers and the FCT to deliver substantial votes for the President.
He also warned campaign coordinators that a Tinubu victory would not excuse them from failing to deliver their assigned states.
Senate President Akpabio described the gathering as a coalition of political parties supporting the President, while Speaker Abbas framed the 2027 election as a choice between continuing the administration’s reforms and abandoning them.
Abbas urged campaigners to respond to criticism with evidence and policy explanations rather than insults, saying the campaign should focus on communicating the government’s achievements and plans.
APC chairman highlights infrastructure, economic reforms
In his address, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda urged members of the campaign council to communicate the administration’s record on infrastructure and economic reforms.
He listed roads, power projects, gas infrastructure, railways, ports, agricultural investments and digital connectivity among the areas the campaign should highlight.
Yilwatda, however, acknowledged that the administration faced challenges and urged the council to address public concerns over the cost of living, insecurity, employment, education, healthcare and agricultural productivity.
He said the campaign must explain how government policies and investments could translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
The council’s Director-General, Abdulaziz Yari, accepted the appointment on behalf of its members and pledged to work towards Tinubu’s re-election.
Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, also promised that the council would focus on grassroots mobilisation and measurable results.
Atiku, Makinde’s camp criticise campaign council
The inauguration drew criticism from opposition figures, who questioned the administration’s record and the use of the Presidential Villa for a party political event.
Atiku Abubakar, through his campaign spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, described the enlarged campaign council as an indication of Tinubu’s concern about the 2027 election.
Shaibu argued that the number of political figures supporting the President would not erase the economic difficulties facing Nigerians. He also criticised the use of the State House for the APC’s political event, describing it as a breach of public trust.
Atiku’s camp further cited figures from the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, claiming that the number of Nigerians experiencing multidimensional poverty had increased by 17.9 million.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Campaign Organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the APC council as a coalition of politicians unable to address the country’s economic and security challenges.
In a statement issued by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, the organisation criticised the Tinubu administration over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining public confidence.
It also questioned how the campaign council would address concerns over hunger, homelessness, illiteracy and the difficulties confronting Nigerian families.
The APC has maintained that its campaign will focus on the administration’s achievements and ongoing reforms, while opposition figures have continued to challenge its handling of the economy and security.
Tinubu emerged as the APC’s presidential candidate following the party’s primary and retained Shettima as his running mate. The campaign council was constituted in August, with Tinubu as chairman, Shettima as vice chairman, Yari as director-general and Uzodimma as secretary. A revised membership list subsequently included Wike, Soludo and Adeleke.
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