APC's North Central Eyeing Record Votes for Tinubu in 2027

The All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central zone has solidified its commitment to mobilizing extensive support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The zone has set an ambitious target to deliver the highest number of votes for the President from any region across Nigeria.

This significant resolution was formally announced by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, following a crucial meeting of North Central APC stakeholders. The gathering, which included governors, prominent party leaders, government appointees, and other critical figures, took place in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.

Prof. Yilwatda detailed the zone's strategic plans, stating that all six states within the North Central region would actively mobilize their members and supporters for a large-scale mass rally. This rally is scheduled for October 10, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and is intended as a key part of the broader mobilization efforts for President Tinubu. Yilwatda emphasized the consensus among stakeholders: “We agreed that overwhelmingly the North Central will mobilise votes and overwhelmingly support Mr. President as our candidate in the 2027 general election.” He further elaborated that the rally would serve as a clear demonstration of the zone’s unwavering support and its firm intention to secure a substantial number of votes for the President.

Beyond the rally, the stakeholders also resolved to implement various community-focused initiatives. These include organizing medical outreaches in selected states across the North Central region, specifically targeting poor and vulnerable individuals facing health challenges. Furthermore, a consultation committee is to be constituted with the mandate to address and resolve any grievances within the party. This committee’s role will be crucial in mending internal divisions and aggregating all possible votes and support for President Tinubu leading up to the 2027 general election.

Addressing internal party dynamics, the APC chairman urged members to prioritize party unity and support candidates who emerge on the party’s platform for elective positions. He stated, “We must support our candidates and work for them,” stressing that support should be for the party's chosen candidates, not merely personal preferences. Prof. Yilwatda also indicated that the stakeholders would convene again the following week to intensify preparations for the Lafia rally and the comprehensive mobilization programme.

These developments were prompted by a presentation from the Grand Patron of the North Central Grassroots Mobilization Network, Senator George Akume, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Senator Akume outlined a detailed three-pronged mobilization programme designed for the zone. He explained that the network was established with the explicit purpose of mobilizing votes throughout the North Central region for the re-election of both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The three components of Akume’s programme include the aforementioned North Central Grand Rally in Lafia on October 10, a series of medical outreaches to be conducted across the three senatorial zones of Benue State, and a comprehensive grassroots advocacy tour coupled with town hall meetings spanning all 19 senatorial districts across the six states and the Federal Capital Territory. The medical outreach component is particularly comprehensive, encompassing eye screening and treatment, refraction and prescription of spectacles, cataract assessment, selected cataract surgical services, glaucoma screening, and diabetic eye screening.

Senator Akume confirmed that this programme, meticulously developed by the National Coordinator, Sonny Echono, his team, and other stakeholders, received full endorsement from the APC National Secretariat. The overarching goal of these extensive efforts is to ensure that the North Central geopolitical zone delivers the highest number of votes from the entire northern part of Nigeria in the 2027 presidential election, with a specific aim to deliver these votes by January 2027.