President Bola Tinubu has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to secure votes in their respective wards ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that their efforts would count for little unless they deliver at the polls.
Tinubu gave the charge on Wednesday during the inauguration of the council at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as the ruling party intensified preparations for his re-election campaign.
“No one gets credit for an incomplete assignment. So, until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your wards, until you deliver the votes, before we can say thank you,” the president said.
Tinubu thanked party members for their support during the previous election but stressed that the inauguration was more than a formal gathering, describing it as a renewed commitment to Nigerians.
“The APC is ready. We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council; we have gathered to renew a covenant, a covenant with the Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party. We promise we will not let them down,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the party’s chances in 2027, the president urged members to prepare for the task ahead, assuring them that they would share in the joy of victory.
“I celebrate you. I celebrate you, no doubt about that. Nigeria will continue to celebrate you. You will see the joy of this victory. You will share in the joy,” he said.
‘Not distracted from governance’
Tinubu said he would not participate in every aspect of the campaign, stressing that his responsibilities as president would remain a priority despite the demands of the electioneering process.
He said party members had advised him not to allow campaign activities to distract him from governance, adding that he agreed with their position.
“You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance. I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before,” he said.
The president noted that the responsibilities of his office would continue regardless of political activities, adding that the Constitution did not provide for governance to be suspended during election campaigns.
“The responsibility of this office does not pause. That responsibility did not recognise our agenda here today. The Constitution allows INEC to make room for parliament but not for the campaign. The job must go on,” he stated.
He, however, promised to make time to address Nigerians directly while the campaign council coordinates activities 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, so you will excuse me from going everywhere with you,” he said.
APC campaign council leadership
The campaign council is chaired by Tinubu, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as first and second vice-chairmen, respectively.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq were named deputy vice-chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was appointed director-general of the council.
Other appointments include Femi Gbajabiamila as head of administration, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as secretary, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje as director of stakeholder mobilisation.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also listed among the campaign officials, while Dele Alake was named spokesman.
The council’s structure includes directorates responsible for mobilisation, election planning and monitoring, finance, fundraising and regional coordination.
The party has also named political figures outside its ranks to coordinate support in some states and regions, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for Rivers State and the FCT, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for Anambra, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for Osun.
2027 presidential race
Tinubu is seeking a second term in the 2027 presidential election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Other prominent contenders include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidency on the platform of the African Democratic Congress; Peter Obi, who is contesting under the Nigeria Democratic Congress; and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress.
The inauguration comes as political parties intensify preparations for the election, with the APC seeking to retain the presidency for another four-year term.
