President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dele Alake, Nigeria's minister of solid minerals development, as Director of Policy and Manifesto Development in the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign council. The appointment was confirmed as the ruling party begins assembling its organizational structure ahead of the January 16, 2027, presidential election.
Alake's Role in the 223-Member Campaign Council
Legit.ng reports that Alake, a long-standing political ally, strategist, and cabinet member under President Tinubu, will serve in the party's 223-member presidential campaign council. The move signals that campaigning for the upcoming elections is already underway, with the APC building its machinery for the contest.
Alake's appointment comes alongside other key roles, including Ade Omole as deputy director of Diaspora Mobilisation I. Omole, an ICT executive, legal professional, and public affairs strategist, is widely recognized as the "Face of the Nigerian Diaspora" and chairs the Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council (NDVC).
Alake Urges Nigerians to Renew Tinubu's Mandate
Speaking on the appointment, Alake called on Nigerians to renew President Tinubu's mandate in the 2027 elections, asserting that the president has laid a solid foundation for a stronger, more united, and prosperous nation. He affirmed that the Tinubu-led administration's scorecard has moved beyond promises, delivering tangible reforms repositioning the country for sustainable growth, security, and national cohesion.
According to The Nation, Alake said: "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has laid the foundation for a stronger, peaceful and more prosperous Nigeria. History is written by citizens who participate. Let us remain committed and do it again in 2027. Together, let us build on that foundation to get to our Eldorado. The journey continues. Together, we keep moving forward."
Continuity and Stability Ahead of the 2027 Vote
The minister urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, emphasizing that nation-building is a process requiring continuity. He concluded: "We cannot afford to abandon a project midway when the foundation has just been laid. In 2027, let us vote for continuity, for stability, and for prosperity."
Africa's most populous country will hold the election against a backdrop of worsening economic and security crises that have caused anger among voters against Tinubu's government. The presidential vote, scheduled for January 16, 2027, will be held alongside parliamentary elections, while gubernatorial elections are set for February 7.
Opposition Landscape and Election Outlook
Tinubu faces over 15 opposition candidates, but analysts predict a three-man race, including the two top contenders he defeated in 2023. These are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a serial presidential candidate, and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a former state governor who gained mass appeal among Nigeria's youth in the last election.
The APC's campaign preparations, including Alake's appointment, indicate the party's focus on policy development and manifesto delivery as it seeks a second term for President Tinubu. The election outcome will determine whether the administration's reform agenda gains continued support or faces a shift in leadership.
