President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) for the 2027 general elections on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. During the ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima launched sharp criticism at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
President Tinubu's Charge to the Campaign Council
President Tinubu told council members and party leaders that the ruling party is ready to renew its mandate with Nigerians, urging them to show unity, commitment, and discipline as the campaign begins. He emphasised that campaigning would not distract his government from its promises to the electorate.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, disclosed these details in a statement issued via his X handle @aonanuga1956 on the same day. The President said, "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."
Shettima's Criticism of Atiku and Peter Obi
Vice President Shettima, who spoke before the President, praised Tinubu's democratic record, pointing to his support for then-opposition figure Atiku Abubakar's 2007 presidential bid on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria. However, Shettima did not spare Atiku criticism, taking aim at the former vice president for what he described as disrespect towards the presidency. "You can call him Bola, if you like, call him Adekunle, but he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Shettima said.
Shettima also criticised Peter Obi, accusing the NDC presidential candidate of citing misleading statistics and drawing comparisons between Nigeria and other countries without proper context. The Vice President's remarks came during the inauguration ceremony, setting a combative tone for the campaign ahead.
Governance Priorities and Campaign Strategy
President Tinubu acknowledged advice from Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, who urged the President not to let the demands of campaigning pull his attention away from governance. The President said the counsel was well-timed, pledging that his administration would continue to deliver on its promises even as political mobilisation picks up.
"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 added. Uzodimma assured the President that governors and party leaders across the country would work hard to carry the right message to voters ahead of the election.
Tinubu Won't Join Every Rally
President Tinubu also told council members he could not join them at every campaign stop, pointing to financial obligations and the need to attract investors. He assured Nigerians he would still find time to speak directly to them even as the council led outreach across states and local governments. The inauguration marks the formal start of the APC's campaign machinery for the 2027 elections, with the party aiming to secure a second term for Tinubu amid a competitive political landscape.
