With fewer than two years until the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu appears to be strategically strengthening his political foothold as more high-profile defections from opposition parties swell the ranks of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Meanwhile, opposition groups are weighing critical decisions—either to merge with existing parties or form a new political platform entirely.
This growing momentum behind President Tinubu’s potential second-term bid was highlighted on Thursday when APC stalwarts, including state governors, lawmakers, and other key stakeholders, publicly endorsed him for re-election at the APC National Summit held at the State House, Abuja.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu reacted for the first time to concerns about rising defections and the suggestion that the nation may be sliding into a one-party system.
“Don’t blame a people bailing out a sinking ship. I am expecting more to come,” he said.
Defending the trend as a reflection of democratic freedom rather than a threat to multi-party politics, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of association and movement. He reassured Nigerians that the coming years would be transformative.
“You don’t blame a people bailing out a sinking ship. I am expecting more to come, that is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy that guarantees the freedom of movement and the freedom of association. Welcome to the progressives,” the president reiterated.
Confronting anxieties that the defections may weaken the opposition, Tinubu stated the changes were representative of political choice rather than manipulation.
“I’m glad about what we have and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. We’re in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget the freedom of movement and the freedom of association are not criminally punishable.
Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean. The endorsement today, the ‘carry go’ expression—I know road. We will lead you on to that promised land.”
He also highlighted his administration’s efforts to revive the economy, insisting the reforms were bearing fruit.
“The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course. The hope is standing before you—take it on. You are the leaders and the conscience of this country. Nigeria will be industrialised. The next two years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision.”
Appealing to supporters yet to receive political appointments, Tinubu urged patience and pledged broader inclusiveness.
“To many of you I have not offered political positions, be patient, many things are coming.”
He further justified the administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidy—initially removed under the Buhari administration but sustained under his leadership—saying the recovered funds were being invested in health, education, and security sectors.
Acknowledging his deputy, the president noted:
“Mr Vice President, even if I will stand on existing protocol, I will recognise you because you are a member of the Think tank.”
Broad Party Support for 2027 Bid
Thursday’s summit also saw a significant shift from a policy review session to a full-fledged show of support for Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy. Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, announced that APC governors had unanimously endorsed Tinubu after evaluating his midterm performance.
“We are aware that the Nigerian nation is moving in the right direction, economically, socially and politically, and that we are convinced that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria will get to her destination faster in prosperity… We have made the resolution… that the president be used and adopted as our flag bearer for 2027 presidential election.”
The motion was seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio added his endorsement while alluding to political realities of the 2023 election.
“It’s the tree that bears the sweetest fruit that also gets the highest amount of stones… You did it in Lagos, you are doing it in Nigeria. Even Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has changed… But the reality is that we are not there yet.”
Akpabio formally moved the motion for Tinubu’s re-election, which was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Abbas emphasized the need for grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 polls:
“An electoral victory in 2027 will not be won on paper alone… All of us must effectively market the successes of the Tinubu Administration.”
Party Chairman, Others Reflect on Renewed Hope Agenda
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, used the occasion to reassert the significance of the Renewed Hope Agenda as more than a campaign slogan, describing it as a transformative vision for the country.
“Barely two years now into his administration, we can confidently say that Renewed Hope is no longer a vision on paper, it is a reality in motion.”
Ganduje stressed the need for party unity and ideological discipline, adding:
“We cannot go into the future divided, unprepared, or reactive. The challenges of our nation require a cohesive, disciplined, and ideologically sound party.”
North Central APC Endorses Tinubu
In a related development, the APC North Central Zone also threw its weight behind Tinubu’s second-term ambition during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. The endorsement was led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and reaffirmed by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State in a communique.
“We unanimously pass a vote of confidence in his administration… and endorse President Tinubu to contest for a second term in office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2027.”
The communique was signed by governors and ministers from the zone, highlighting developmental strides under Tinubu’s administration.
Governor Abdulrazaq of Kwara praised Tinubu’s security reforms and grassroots-focused initiatives, particularly the new national forest guards policy.
“The North Central has never been this favoured in national reckoning. Yet our region stands to gain a lot more.”
Opposition Weighs Its Next Moves
While the APC consolidates its base, the opposition coalition is strategizing its path to 2027. It recently appointed former Senate President David Mark as chairman of the coalition, with former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke leading a committee to assess options for collaboration with existing parties.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, was named chair of another committee to explore forming a new political party.
“We resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group chaired by Senator President David Mark in driving the transitional politics towards the 2027 general election,” said Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats.
The group emphasized the need to mobilize northern political sentiment, increase pressure on government institutions for constitutional compliance, and address the economic and security challenges in the region.
In conclusion, the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections is intensifying. While the APC rallies around President Tinubu for a second term, the opposition is mobilizing for a counter-strategy. The coming months promise heightened activity, strategic repositioning, and intensified grassroots engagement across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
