2027: Tinubu Tells APC Campaign Council Members to Deliver Votes in Their Wards

President Bola Tinubu has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to secure votes in their respective wards ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that their efforts would only be recognised after delivering results at the polls.

Tinubu gave the directive on Wednesday during the inauguration of the council at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as the ruling party steps up preparations for his re-election campaign.

Addressing party leaders and members, the president stressed that the council must demonstrate its commitment by ensuring electoral success in their respective areas.

“No one gets credit for an incomplete assignment. So, until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your wards, until you deliver the votes, before we can say thank you,” he said.

Tinubu thanked APC members for their support during the previous election, describing the inauguration as an opportunity to reaffirm the party’s commitment to Nigerians.

He said the council’s formation went beyond a formal political event, adding that the APC had a responsibility to fulfil the expectations of the people.

“The APC is ready. We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council; we have gathered to renew a covenant, a covenant with the Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party. We promise we will not let them down,” the president stated.

He also expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the next election, assuring members that their contributions would be recognised if they delivered the expected results.

Tinubu, however, indicated that his participation in campaign activities would be limited by his constitutional responsibilities as president.

According to him, some party members had advised him against allowing the demands of the campaign to interfere with his duties as head of state. He said he agreed that governance must remain a priority.

“You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance. I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before,” he said.

The president further explained that the responsibilities of his office would continue regardless of political activities, noting that the work of government could not be suspended for the campaign.

“The responsibility of this office does not pause. That responsibility did not recognise our agenda here today. The Constitution allows INEC to make room for parliament but not for the campaign. The job must go on,” he added.

Despite his limited availability for campaign trips, Tinubu said he would continue to communicate directly with Nigerians while the council coordinated activities across states and local government areas.

He asked members to understand that he might not accompany them to every campaign location, as he would remain focused on his presidential duties.

Tinubu will serve as chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda appointed as first and second vice-chairmen, respectively.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq were named deputy vice-chairmen.

Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari will serve as director-general of the council.

Other appointments include Femi Gbajabiamila as head of administration, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as secretary, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje as director of stakeholder mobilisation.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is also among the officials, while Dele Alake has been appointed spokesman.

The council will operate through several directorates responsible for mobilisation, election planning and monitoring, finance, fundraising and regional coordination.

The campaign structure also includes political figures who are not members of the APC, with some assigned responsibilities for coordinating support in specific states and regions.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike was named to coordinate activities in Rivers State and the FCT. Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo was assigned responsibility for Anambra, while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was listed for Osun State.

Tinubu is seeking a second term in the 2027 presidential election. The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential poll for January 16, 2027.