President Bola Tinubu has charged members of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council to prioritise grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election while ensuring that political activities do not undermine governance.
Speaking at the council’s inauguration on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu stressed that the party’s previous electoral success would mean little without renewed efforts to secure voters’ support.
He urged party leaders to deliver results across wards, local government areas and states, describing the forthcoming election as another important assignment.
“No one gets credit for an incomplete assignment until you deliver the next election,” the President declared.
Tinubu also acknowledged concerns about balancing his re-election campaign with the responsibilities of government, assuring Nigerians that his administration would remain focused on economic development and attracting investment.
He emphasised the need to meet financial obligations and sustain policies intended to secure the country’s economic future.
The President further directed campaign officials to engage citizens responsibly and communicate the objectives of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, Vice-President Kashim Shettima defended Tinubu’s leadership while criticising opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Shettima argued that political disagreements should not diminish respect for the presidency, while questioning what he described as misleading economic comparisons by opposition politicians.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said the council’s inauguration demonstrated the party’s readiness to organise a nationwide campaign centred on policies, achievements and economic reforms.
He acknowledged the difficulties facing Nigerians and urged campaign members to explain how government initiatives could improve living conditions.
Yilwatda also highlighted the attendance of Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra Governor Charles Soludo and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike as evidence of support extending beyond the APC.
The three political figures subsequently expressed support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Wike, who identified himself as a Peoples Democratic Party leader, praised the President for confronting longstanding national challenges and encouraged governors to mobilise support in their respective states.
Meanwhile, Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, who serves as campaign council secretary, promised an issue-based campaign focused on the administration’s reform record.
He defended the removal of petrol subsidies and foreign exchange reforms, acknowledging their economic consequences while maintaining that they were necessary decisions.
Uzodimma also cited economic growth figures of 4.43 per cent against 4.23 per cent in the preceding year as evidence of progress.
Other senior political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, endorsed the re-election effort.
With the campaign structure now inaugurated, the APC faces the task of translating political endorsements into voter support while defending the administration’s economic record before the 2027 polls.
