APC Chairman Yilwatda Advocates for Northern Support for Tinubu's 2027 Re-election
In a significant political development, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that President Bola Tinubu merits the support of Northern Nigeria to secure a second term in the 2027 presidential election. This statement was made during a visit to former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, as part of efforts to strengthen the ruling party's alliances.
Equity and Reciprocity as Key Arguments
Yilwatda emphasized that Tinubu's unwavering support for the late President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year tenure should be reciprocated by the North, invoking the spirit of equity. He argued that Nigeria, particularly the Northern region, is at a pivotal moment that will shape its future, and there is a consensus that the South should complete two terms in office. "President Tinubu is about to complete his first term, and we must support him to secure a second term," Yilwatda stated, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation for national stability.
During the visit to Shekarau's residence in Kano, Yilwatda appealed to the former governor to consider rejoining the APC, citing the need for unity and prosperity in Northern Nigeria. He acknowledged Shekarau's influential role in Kano politics and stressed that Tinubu would require robust support to secure votes from the state in the upcoming election.
Governor Aiyedatiwa Predicts Landslide Victory
In a related development, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State expressed confidence that President Tinubu could achieve an unprecedented electoral feat by winning in all 36 states of the federation. Speaking at the Government House in Akure, while receiving the national leadership of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), Aiyedatiwa attributed this optimism to Tinubu's performance over the past three years.
The governor noted that Tinubu inherited a country on the brink of systemic collapse but has made substantial progress, which he believes eliminates any viable political alternatives. "The whole nation has seen the quality of the President we have, and we have seen that there is no alternative now," Aiyedatiwa asserted. He added that machinery is in place to ensure Tinubu receives one million votes in Ondo State, drawing parallels to his own electoral success across the state's 18 local councils.
SWAGA's Role and Economic Reforms
Senator Dayo Adeyeye, National Chairman of SWAGA and Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, led the delegation and praised Tinubu's economic reforms. He argued that the country was living on borrowed time under the previous administration and that most businesses would have collapsed without the current president's policies. Adeyeye highlighted that even former President Buhari acknowledged the unsustainability of subsidy payments, and reforms like those enabling the Dangote refinery to function were crucial.
This political maneuvering underscores the APC's strategic preparations for the 2027 elections, focusing on regional alliances and highlighting Tinubu's achievements to galvanize support across Nigeria.
