• Pomp as APC PCC comes alive
• I’m your errand man, says President
• Wike, Soludo, Adeleke steal show
The re-election campaign will not stop governance because the economy needs all hands on the plough, the President declared on Wednesday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the inauguration of his Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) for the January 16, 2027 election, an event that turned into a political carnival.
The President charged council members and his supporters to take his administration’s achievements, reform agenda and development strides to Nigerians to win their support.
With 33 governors backing his re-election bid, Tinubu has assembled a broad coalition of political leaders to coordinate the campaign. Two of the governors, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, belong to other political parties. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who is also a campaign coordinator, belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Soludo is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while Adeleke belongs to the Accord Party.
Tinubu said he had accepted the advice of party leaders that the demands of political campaigns should not distract him from consolidating economic reforms, attracting investments and addressing the country’s challenges.
He assured the council that he would remain actively involved in the campaign and engage Nigerians directly, while leaving much of the responsibility for grassroots mobilisation and state-by-state campaigning to its members.
“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. The responsibility of this office does not pause,” he said.
“We have bills to pay,” the President declared, emphasising the need to attract investors and encourage them to establish lasting interests in Nigeria for the benefit of future generations.
He said the administration must continue meeting the country’s financial obligations and creating an environment conducive to long-term investments.
“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas. So you will excuse me from going everywhere with you,” he added.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to establishing state police, assuring Nigerians that the proposed security arrangement would become a reality.
Describing himself as a servant of the party, he pledged to remain faithful to its manifesto, objectives and promises to Nigerians.
“To me, I am your errand man,” he said.
“On security, state police will be a reality,” he declared.
The President also pledged support for legislation seeking additional reserved seats for women in the National Assembly and state legislatures. He urged women in the APC to mobilise behind the proposal, assuring them that his administration remained committed to increasing women’s political representation at national and subnational levels.
Describing the inauguration as a renewal of the APC’s covenant with Nigerians, Tinubu urged council members to approach the election with dedication, discipline and a commitment to defending his administration’s record.
“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,” he said.
The President dismissed predictions that the APC would disintegrate following its congresses because of an inability to manage internal disagreements.
He commended the party leadership, led by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, for steering the party through ward, local government and state congresses to the national convention.
“They said there would be implosion. We passed through it. We did not fail. You didn’t let us down,” Tinubu told party leaders.
He reminded members that previous electoral victories did not guarantee another mandate, insisting that their assignment would remain incomplete until they secured victory in 2027.
In a direct appeal to party members, Tinubu asked whether they were ready for the contest, drawing affirmative responses from the gathering.
The President also spoke about the importance of determination and bold leadership in overcoming seemingly insurmountable national challenges.
Recalling his time as Lagos State governor, he spoke of the threat posed by the Atlantic Ocean to parts of the state and efforts to reclaim land and protect the coastline.
He cited the Eko Atlantic project as an example of what could be achieved through courage, planning and determination.
According to him, leaders must confront difficult circumstances rather than surrender to them.
“You must dare. You must be determined,” he urged council members.
Shettima defends reforms, challenges opposition
Vice-President Kashim Shettima defended the administration’s economic reforms, challenging opposition figures to offer credible alternatives rather than constantly criticising government policies.
He faulted the economic prescriptions of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, arguing that Nigeria could not be governed through policies borrowed from other countries without considering its peculiar circumstances.
Shettima criticised Obi’s reliance on foreign economic comparisons, particularly with Bangladesh, maintaining that differences in population, institutions and economic structures made simplistic comparisons inappropriate.
He questioned the opposition leader’s understanding of Nigeria’s economic realities and challenged him to present practical solutions suited to the country’s circumstances.
Shettima also faulted Atiku’s proposal for production subsidies, questioning how such interventions would be financed and which competing government priorities would bear the cost.
He argued that those seeking to govern Nigeria must demonstrate consistency in their economic positions and offer credible alternatives rather than merely criticise the administration’s policies.
Defending Tinubu’s reforms, the Vice-President cited economic growth of 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026 as evidence of improving performance. He, however, acknowledged that the gains must translate into employment, increased incomes and improved public services.
He urged the campaign council to defend the administration’s record with facts, effective organisation and measurable achievements rather than political insults.
Shettima’s speech drew repeated applause for its delivery and arguments, earning commendation from the President.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Tinubu to sustain his relationships with political allies, stressing that unity among supporters would be crucial to securing another mandate.
Akpabio said political leaders and members of the National Assembly had rallied behind the President’s development agenda and called for stronger cooperation ahead of the election.
He also proposed that members of the minority caucus in the National Assembly be considered for inclusion in the campaign initiative, subject to the President’s approval, as part of efforts to broaden political engagement.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen warned Nigerians against abandoning Tinubu’s economic reforms midway, arguing that reversing the policies before their anticipated benefits materialised could undermine the sacrifices already made.
Acknowledging the hardship associated with petrol subsidy removal and other economic adjustments, Abbas said continuity was necessary to consolidate economic gains.
“The first term confronted instability. The first term expanded public revenue. The second term must turn revenue into public value.
“Nigeria has paid the price of reform. Nigeria must now receive the dividend of consolidation,” he said.
Abbas cited figures he attributed to recent World Bank assessments, including economic growth of 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, external reserves exceeding $54 billion in September and improvements in government revenues.
He said federal revenue increased by 69 per cent in real terms between 2023 and 2025, while state revenues rose by 93 per cent during the period.
He highlighted the legislative contributions of the 10th House of Representatives, including student loans, the new national minimum wage, tax reforms and the Electoral Act 2026.
Soludo: Tinubu’s return a consensus
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo described the political support for Tinubu’s re-election as unprecedented.
He declared that Nigeria had never witnessed such a broad consensus among political leaders on the return of an incumbent President.
Soludo, who spoke on behalf of APGA, said the party was backing Tinubu because of its commitment to national unity, security and shared prosperity.
APGA is represented in the Federal Executive Council by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Soludo claimed that about 33 of the country’s 36 governors were represented in the broad political alignment supporting the President, describing the development as evidence of an extraordinary consensus.
The former Central Bank of Nigeria governor also maintained that there was considerable agreement among political and economic leaders on the necessity of Tinubu’s reforms.
According to him, the President had demonstrated the courage to pursue difficult but necessary economic adjustments, insisting that the next term should accelerate Nigeria’s transition from stability and reform to shared prosperity.
“There has been no time in our history when you have such a constellation, a consensus that one man deserves to be re-elected in this country. It has never happened before,” Soludo declared.
He urged progressive politicians across party lines to unite behind Tinubu, assuring the President that APGA would remain a dependable partner throughout the campaign and in governance.
“We are a partner in both this journey back to Aso Rock and will remain your partner in the governance process,” he said.
Four years not enough, says Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke also declared that Tinubu deserved another four years to consolidate his economic reforms, arguing that a single term was insufficient to complete the administration’s transformation agenda.
“We must give our father, the President of this nation, time for his reform to work. It is not easy. Four years is not enough,” Adeleke said.
The governor, who predicted victory for Tinubu in the presidential election, said he had already begun grassroots mobilisation across Osun State.
“I can feel the victory coming in 2027,” he said, urging Nigerians to support the President and continue praying for the country’s leaders.
Adeleke enlivened the occasion with songs and dancing, maintaining that Tinubu’s success would translate into national progress. He called on supporters to prioritise practical mobilisation over political rhetoric.
How we will campaign, by Yari
Accepting his appointment as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said the APC would anchor its campaign on Tinubu’s achievements and future development plans.
“Our campaign is going to be centred on what you have done and what you are going to do in the future,” Yari told the President.
He identified infrastructure development, interventions affecting ordinary Nigerians and women’s inclusion in government among the administration’s achievements that would feature prominently in the campaign.
Yari cited the appointment of eight female ministers and women heading federal agencies as evidence of the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion.
He pledged to work with party leaders and campaign officials across the country to translate the administration’s record into electoral support.
Warning against internal rivalry and personal ambitions, Yari insisted that the campaign council must remain united behind the objective of securing Tinubu’s re-election.
“It’s no time for ego. We are all one in this business. We have only one agenda. What is that agenda? To ensure that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns as President,” he said.
Yari assured the President that he would work with every member of the council to deliver victory on January 16, 2027.
The council, chaired by Tinubu, has Shettima and APC National Chairman Yilwatda as vice-chairmen, with Uzodimma serving as secretary.
The APC has scheduled the commencement of its campaign for October 24 in Kaduna.
Uzodimma seeks reconciliation
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor of Hope Uzodimma called for reconciliation among the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders ahead of the elections.
He urged party leaders and support groups to bury their grievances and unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Uzodimma said the ruling party could not afford internal divisions ahead of the January 16 poll, stressing that governors, legislators, party executives and campaign organisations should close ranks and operate as one formidable political force.
His appeal came against the backdrop of the disagreements between APC governors and the political coalition associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.
Uzodimma said internal grievances and disagreements arising from party primaries must not be allowed to undermine the collective interests of the ruling party.
The governor, who also serves as Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council and Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, maintained that the party’s extensive political structures would count for little without unity, discipline and coordinated grassroots mobilisation.
Uzodinma said: “It follows that our party has no excuse not to win. Victory is guaranteed when we are united, committed and work as a focused team. So, we must jettison any misgivings we have against each other.
“We must reconcile any differences we may have and rally as one family behind the party and all our candidates. We must speak to Nigerians as one family with one voice and one message.”
He appealed to candidates and other stakeholders dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries to put their differences behind them, insisting that no candidate should undermine another in pursuit of personal interests.
Uzodinma added: “The primaries are behind us. Whatever disagreements they may have left, the success of any one of us cannot be built on the failure of another, and every candidate who carries our flag deserves the full support of the whole party. Our unity should be unassailable.”
The governor urged President Tinubu to concentrate on governance and the consolidation of his Administration’s economic reforms, assuring that APC governors and other party leaders are prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of the presidential campaign.
He said that the pressures of electioneering could distract the President from implementing policies and programmes intended to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Uzodinma said the ongoing reforms required sustained presidential attention to deliver their intended benefits, making it necessary for party leaders to take charge of grassroots mobilisation.
He added: “An election season has a way of consuming everything around it, and there will be no shortage of people who would like to see you spend the next three months responding to every distraction on the campaign trail.
“We would ask that you do not allow it to distract you from governance. The reforms you began need your full attention if they are to deliver everything they promise, and Nigerians will be better served by a President who keeps his hand firmly on the work of government than by one who is pulled away from it by the demands of electioneering.
Opposition can’t displace Tinubu, says Masari
Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, said opposition parties cannot defeat the APC. He said the combined votes of the opposition.
parties will not amount to half of what the APC Presidential Campaign Council will deliver for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Masari said the ruling party is assembling a formidable grassroots machinery capable of securing the president’s re-election.
He said campaign officials would henceforth, be assessed and rewarded strictly on the basis of actual results delivered in their states, local governments, wards and polling units.
Masari said the era of political appointees and campaign officials claiming huge electoral figures while failing to deliver their immediate constituencies should end.
He said: “I want to use this opportunity on behalf of the members of this council to assure Mr President that the votes that will be secured by all the opposition parties put together will not reach half of what this council will deliver for you. That we promise and by the grace of Allah we will deliver”.
The presidential aide said APC should abandon the culture of excessive meetings, ceremonial office openings and political grandstanding in favour of direct engagement with voters at the grassroots.
He urged members of the campaign council to spend less time in Abuja and party offices and devote greater attention to mobilising support in communities across the country.
Masari said: “It is pertinent for us to understand that politics is not about opening and painting offices, pettiness, unnecessary talk or endless debates. Politics is at the grassroots; it is about our polling units, wards, local governments and communities.
“We must reduce unnecessary visits to Abuja and party offices, as well as excessive directorate meetings, and instead focus on meeting people, convincing them, winning their hearts and securing votes in line with democratic principles.
“Stop talking to yourselves and start talking to the people”, he charged.
Masari said the campaign would introduce performance assessment mechanisms to ensure that party officials are held accountable for their assigned responsibilities.
He maintained that political loyalty and commitment should be demonstrated through verifiable electoral results rather than exaggerated claims of influence or mobilisation capacity.
He stressed: “This time around, we must move beyond making empty promises and announcing figures that cannot be delivered.
“The government will put in place serious assessment mechanisms to assess everyone’s performance based on their actual results at the grassroots, not the volume of their talks or promises.
“Everyone should be rewarded according to their performance, and it can no longer be business as usual where people claim to deliver huge numbers but cannot deliver their own State, Local Government, Ward or even their Polling unit.”
Masari called for reconciliation among aggrieved stakeholders, urging members of the campaign council to set aside personal differences, political rivalries and individual ambitions in the collective interest of the APC.
He warned that internal disagreements, gossip and hate speech could undermine grassroots mobilisation, unless properly addressed.
Masari said the campaig should be conducted without bitterness, with all stakeholders working together to secure victory for Tinubu and other APC candidates.
He added: “I also appeal to every member to embrace the enduring principle of politics without bitterness. Let us shun rancour, personal grievances and needless divisions.
“Let us respect one another, accommodate divergent interests and work for the success of all APC candidates, from top to bottom.
“Our strength lies in our unity; our greatest advantage lies in our organisation; and our success will depend on our ability to place the collective interest of our party above personal ambition.”
Masari urged the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to ensure effective coordination of the various campaign structures and harmonisation of their activities nationwide.
He said the President and members of the council have confidence in Yari’s leadership, stressing that his principal responsibility is to bring together the party’s political strengths into a disciplined and effective campaign organisation.
He added: “Your task is to unite us, harness our collective strengths and ensure that every member works as part of one disciplined, purposeful and winning team.
“Let our coordination be seamless, our message consistent and our commitment unquestionable”, he stated.
The presidential aide explained that the campaign should be anchored on the Tinubu administration’s policies, achievements and future development priorities, particularly in education, healthcare, economic reforms and infrastructure.
Masari urged campaign officials to present the administration’s record honestly, acknowledge outstanding challenges and engage voters respectfully.
“We must present our case honestly, confidently and with a clear understanding of what remains to be done.
“The task before us is clear: to turn our convictions into action, our organisation into mobilisation, and our mobilisation into votes. Every ward must count. Every community must be reached. Every eligible voter must have the opportunity to hear our message.”
