The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally received the expression of interest and nomination forms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, with party leaders declaring that the “coast is now clear” for his participation in the party’s direct primary.
Vice President Kashim Shettima submitted the forms on behalf of the President at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday. The event was marked by chants of “On your mandate we shall stand” from party stalwarts, including ministers, members of the Progressive Governors Forum led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, National Assembly members, and heads of agencies and parastatals.
Shettima Highlights Tinubu’s Leadership
Presenting the nomination forms to the Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda-led National Working Committee (NWC), Shettima said Tinubu had demonstrated courage and leadership by taking difficult decisions to stabilise the country’s economy. “As he seeks to lead us for another four years through thick and thin, the President has proved his mettle and has shown the world that his capacity and resolve to pull the nation out of the woods remain intact,” Shettima said.
He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda had translated into tangible successes across several sectors of the economy. “The socio-economic impacts have been phenomenal in pushing positive results. His Excellency, the President, has delivered on the mandate of stability and national revival,” he stated.
According to the Vice President, Tinubu steered the country through difficult economic conditions with courage and determination. “He has sailed this ship through troubling waters with courage, taking difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise the economy, restore confidence and prepare Nigeria for a more sustainable future,” he said.
Economic Achievements Under Tinubu
Shettima said the President inherited a fragile economy with low foreign reserves but chose not to blame past administrations. “When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership, our foreign reserves stood at about $33.99 billion, not enough to support the importation of oil for one month. Instead of passing blame, instead of kicking the ball down the road, he decided to take responsibility and make the country work. And Nigeria is now working,” he added.
The Vice President urged Nigerians across political, religious and ethnic divides to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. “On behalf of our great party, I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, religious persuasion or social background, to support this nomination and the candidacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” he appealed.
APC Chairman Endorses Tinubu’s Candidacy
In his remarks, APC National Chairman Yilwatda said Tinubu deserved another term because of the reforms introduced under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the endorsement of the President by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), the second highest decision-making organ of the APC, reflected broad support for Tinubu within the party.
“Today marks continuity — continuity of courage, renewal of infrastructure and reforms that have softened fiscal pressures and repositioned the economy,” Yilwatda said.
The APC chairman highlighted several completed and ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Maradi rail line, the Badagry-Sokoto highway corridor, gas pipeline projects linking Warri and Kano, and reforms in the power sector allowing states to generate electricity independently. According to him, the administration’s reforms were already yielding increased revenue allocations to states and attracting investment inflows into the country.
Governors and Lawmakers Unite Behind Tinubu
PGF Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Uzodinma, who echoed Yilwatda’s position, said APC governors were united in support of Tinubu’s second term ambition. Uzodinma recalled that APC governors had endorsed the President during the party’s summit last year and said the submission of the forms was in furtherance of that resolution.
“On behalf of the 31 APC governors, we commit ourselves to work assiduously to market the President, his achievements and ensure his re-election,” he stated.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who invited Shettima to formally present the forms, described the event as “historic.” Abbas said the National Assembly was fully represented at the occasion to support the commencement of the APC’s electioneering process ahead of 2027. “There is no doubt that the performance of the President has brought phenomenal progress. Even those who doubted the APC are now singing its praises,” he said.
APC National Secretary Confirms Waiver
Earlier on, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru described the occasion as “important, historical, momentous and impactful,” saying it marked a significant step in Tinubu’s bid for re-election. Basiru disclosed that the party’s National Working Committee had granted the President a waiver from screening following a resolution adopted by the party leadership.
“While accepting the forms, we are also saying that he has led the country and the party well. APC remains the strongest political party in Nigeria and West Africa. The NWC waived the requirement for screening and the coast is now clear,” he said.
He added that the APC remained committed to internal democracy, stressing that the party had adopted the direct primary mode for its presidential primary election, noting that Edo-born presidential aspirant, Stanley Osifo, is also free to contest for the party’s ticket. According to him, the APC remains “the only political party that has kept its process open,” noting that hundreds of aspirants had obtained forms for various elective offices across the country.
