President Bola Tinubu has secured a major political boost ahead of the 2027 general elections after governors, elder statesmen, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the North-East formally endorsed his re-election bid and pledged to mobilise widespread support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the region.
The delegation, representing the six North-East states, met with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they also welcomed his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in the region and a commitment to continuity.
Led by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, the delegation praised the Tinubu administration for ongoing infrastructure development, security interventions and economic reforms, which they said were helping to rebuild the North-East after years of insurgency.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Zulum said retaining Shettima reflected political maturity, strategic leadership and recognition of his loyalty and competence, adding that the North-East would fully mobilise support to ensure Tinubu’s re-election.
He also commended leaders from the North-West and North-Central for supporting the decision and highlighted federal projects in road construction, agriculture, education, youth empowerment and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
Kingibe described the delegation as a gathering of influential leaders whose voices continued to shape public opinion, assuring the president of their commitment to promoting government policies and strengthening public confidence in the administration.
Responding, Tinubu described the endorsement as reassuring and emotional, thanking the North-East leaders for their confidence while pledging to consolidate ongoing reforms in infrastructure, security and the economy.
The president said his administration had fulfilled key promises to the region, particularly in road development and security, while expressing optimism that Nigerians would continue to benefit from the gains of ongoing economic reforms. He also reaffirmed his commitment to clearing inherited pension liabilities and strengthening national unity.
Meanwhile, the APC has intensified efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections by launching a reconciliation drive aimed at resolving internal disputes in Anambra State.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, APC National Deputy Chairman (South), Dr Benjamin Nwoye, said the National Working Committee (NWC) established a fact-finding and reconciliation committee to address the lingering crisis in the state chapter and restore party unity.
According to Nwoye, the committee identified issues such as the alleged removal of elected officials, disputes over candidate substitution, unresolved litigation, alleged unfair expulsions, poor communication, perceived marginalisation and weak party discipline as the major causes of the crisis.
He stressed that the APC’s objective was not only to secure Tinubu’s re-election but also to strengthen the party’s performance in governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections nationwide, warning that internal divisions could undermine its electoral prospects.
APC National Woman Leader Mary Alile Idele urged aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation, describing unity as essential to the party’s success, while the National Leader for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Tolu Bankole, called on members to resolve their differences and avoid repeating the mistakes of previous elections.
In Ondo State, APC chieftain and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olusola Oke, dismissed suggestions that President Tinubu would face electoral difficulties in the state during the 2027 polls.
Reacting to comments by APC aspirant Razaq Obe, who alleged irregularities in the party’s primary process and warned of possible electoral setbacks, Oke insisted that the APC remained firmly in control in Ondo and predicted a landslide victory for Tinubu.
He acknowledged that disagreements following party primaries were common in politics but maintained that they posed no threat to the APC’s strength or preparedness for the general election. Oke also urged party members to avoid statements capable of damaging the party’s image and instead focus on unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
