APC Banks on Tinubu’s Record as Presidential Campaign Council Begins 2027 Re-election Push

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s record in office as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election, following the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja. The council was inaugurated on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre, bringing together APC leaders, government officials, state governors and politicians from other political parties to coordinate efforts towards Tinubu’s re-election. The gathering featured Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and several governors. Among the political figures who pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term bid were Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who belongs to the Accord Party, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The inauguration marks another step in the ruling party’s preparations for the 2027 general election, with the administration’s economic reforms, infrastructure projects, security challenges and cost-of-living pressures expected to feature prominently in the political debate. Tinubu tells campaign council to prioritise governance Addressing members of the council, Tinubu cautioned against allowing campaign activities to interfere with his responsibilities as president. He said he agreed with the decision that he should concentrate on governance rather than travel throughout the country with campaign officials. The president explained that Nigeria required his attention and that government business would continue even as the party organised its re-election campaign. He nevertheless said he would make time to address Nigerians directly while campaign officials coordinated activities across states and local government areas. Tinubu also warned party members against complacency, reminding them that their previous electoral success did not guarantee another victory. He challenged campaign officials to work towards delivering votes in their respective wards and constituencies before expecting recognition for their efforts. The president further expressed confidence in the APC’s internal unity, arguing that the party had emerged stronger despite predictions that it would experience divisions during its congresses. He also reiterated his commitment to promises contained in the party’s manifesto, including the proposed establishment of state police and the passage of legislation intended to increase women's representation in the National Assembly and state-level legislatures. APC highlights infrastructure and economic reforms Speaking at the inauguration, Yilwatda urged campaign council members to communicate the administration’s achievements and explain how government policies were intended to improve Nigerians’ lives. He identified infrastructure investments in roads, power generation, gas projects, railways, ports, agriculture and digital connectivity as areas the campaign should highlight. However, the APC chairman also acknowledged that the administration continued to face challenges. He urged the campaign to address issues including the cost of living, insecurity, employment, education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and economic opportunities. Yilwatda said the party needed to explain what had been completed, what remained under development and how its policies could translate into practical improvements for citizens. His remarks suggest that the campaign will seek to defend the administration's reform programme while addressing concerns about its effects on households and businesses. The APC has consistently presented its economic policies as necessary changes intended to improve public finances and strengthen the economy. Critics, however, have questioned whether the benefits have reached ordinary Nigerians amid persistent economic pressures. Shettima criticises opposition figures Vice President Shettima used his address to criticise opposition politicians, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Shettima questioned Atiku’s economic proposals, particularly his position on production subsidies, arguing that political leaders needed to explain how their proposed policies would be funded and which competing government priorities might be affected. He also challenged Obi’s use of international economic comparisons, maintaining that policies successful in other countries could not automatically be transferred to Nigeria without accounting for differences in population, institutions and economic structures. The comments reflected the increasingly confrontational atmosphere surrounding preparations for the 2027 election. Atiku and Obi have been among the prominent opposition figures criticising the Tinubu administration, particularly over economic hardship and the effects of government policies. Their criticisms are likely to remain part of the campaign debate as political parties seek to convince voters that their respective approaches offer the most suitable response to Nigeria’s challenges. Soludo, Adeleke and Wike pledge support Soludo defended APGA’s decision to support Tinubu, arguing that his party should be recognised as part of the progressive political bloc. He described the gathering as evidence of substantial political and elite support for the president, although he acknowledged that such unity did not mean every political actor agreed on every issue. Adeleke also called for more time for Tinubu’s reforms to produce results, arguing that four years would not be sufficient to complete the process. Wike, meanwhile, pledged to work towards delivering support for Tinubu in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory. The FCT minister said he had learnt of his appointment as campaign director for the two areas through a newspaper report. His participation is notable because he remains a PDP member serving in the Tinubu administration, illustrating how political alliances can cross party lines ahead of the election. Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, who serves as director-general of the campaign council, accepted the responsibility on behalf of its members and pledged to work towards Tinubu’s re-election. The council is expected to coordinate campaign messaging, mobilisation and engagement with voters across the country. Opposition challenges APC’s claims The inauguration also attracted criticism from opposition figures who questioned the administration’s record and the political significance of the gathering. Atiku, through his spokesman Phrank Shaibu, argued that expanding the campaign council would not remove the economic difficulties facing Nigerians. He also questioned the use of the Presidential Villa for a party political event, describing it as an inappropriate use of a public institution. Separately, the campaign organisation associated with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde criticised the APC council and argued that the administration's performance on insecurity, economic hardship and unemployment would remain central to the election. The opposition's position contrasts with the APC's emphasis on infrastructure investment, economic reforms and political support from prominent officeholders. The competing arguments point to issues likely to shape the election: whether the administration can demonstrate measurable improvements in living standards, how voters assess its economic policies and whether the opposition can present a convincing alternative. 2027 election campaign gathers momentum The inauguration comes ahead of the APC's planned campaign flag-off in Kaduna State on October 24, according to the timetable announced by Yari. The party is expected to use its campaign structure to coordinate activities across states, local government areas and wards while communicating the administration's policies and achievements. Tinubu is seeking a second term after winning the 2023 presidential election on the APC platform. The coming campaign will test the party's ability to turn its political alliances and claims of progress into voter support while responding to criticism of its record in government. Although the inauguration demonstrated the participation of several prominent political figures, the eventual outcome will depend on voters and the electoral process. For the APC, the central challenge will be to persuade Nigerians that the administration's reforms and investments justify another term. Opposition parties, meanwhile, are expected to focus on economic hardship, insecurity and other unresolved national concerns as the country approaches the 2027 presidential election.