Tinubu Inaugurates APC 2027 Campaign Council, Urges Unity, Focus on Governance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election, urging party leaders and members to unite behind the re-election campaign while ensuring that political activities do not distract his administration from governance.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration ceremony held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, where he charged council members to demonstrate commitment, discipline and a shared sense of purpose as they prepare to mobilise support for the party.

The President expressed appreciation to party members for their contributions during the last election but stressed that their efforts would only be fully realised if they secured another electoral victory in 2027.

“As I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and spirit full of resolve, it is my honour to inaugurate the presidential campaign council of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 General Election. I thank all of you for the last election, but no one gets credit for an incomplete assignment until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your electoral wards, until you deliver the votes,” he said.

He urged the campaign council to engage Nigerians constructively and communicate the administration’s policies and programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, while maintaining focus on the government’s responsibilities.

Tinubu acknowledged advice from the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who cautioned that campaign activities should not interfere with the President’s constitutional duties.

The President said he would continue to engage directly with Nigerians even as campaign officials coordinate mobilisation across states and local government areas.

“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas. We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait. We want those investors to come in and invest for the future of our children,” the President said.

Uzodimma, in his remarks, assured Tinubu that governors and other party stakeholders would work to communicate the administration’s message to Nigerians throughout the campaign.

The President’s comments underscored the challenge facing the ruling party as it prepares for another election cycle while the administration continues to address economic and developmental priorities.

Tinubu also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his speech at the event, describing it as excellent and commending his approach to national development.

He further acknowledged the contributions of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, particularly their roles in addressing coastal challenges.

“There is a limit, but there is no limit in daring. We dared the Atlantic Ocean, and the result is the Atlantic City in Lagos”, he said.

Earlier, Shettima praised Tinubu’s political record and described his support for democratic competition as evidence of his commitment to political pluralism.

The Vice President recalled Tinubu’s support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition in 2007, when Atiku contested on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Shettima also criticised Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over his references to the President by his first name.

” You can call him Bola, if you like, call him Adekunle, but he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Shettima said.

The Vice President also criticised National Democratic Movement presidential candidate Peter Obi over what he described as misleading statistics and comparisons between Nigeria and other countries without sufficient context.

The inauguration formally sets the APC’s presidential campaign machinery in motion ahead of the 2027 election, with the President calling for coordinated mobilisation while pledging to maintain attention on governance and economic priorities.

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.