Tinubu's 2027 Ambition: APC Warns Disloyal Appointees and Kicks Off Re-election Blitz

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is intensifying its preparations for the 2027 general elections, with a strong emphasis on grassroots mobilization and political accountability from its officeholders. Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s National Chairman, issued a stern warning on Wednesday in Abuja to political appointees serving under President Bola Tinubu, asserting that those who claim to be non-partisan 'technocrats' while holding political office must actively mobilize for the party or consider resignation.

Professor Yilwatda unequivocally stated that every political appointee is inherently a politician by virtue of their public office, rejecting the notion that they can distance themselves from partisan activities. He likened this stance to someone denying their ethnic identity despite prominent tribal marks, stressing that if an individual is unwilling to engage in political work and mobilize votes, they should not accept a political appointment. The party's electoral success, he highlighted, hinges on effective mobilization and grassroots support, not merely administrative performance within an office.

This critical directive was delivered during a meeting with members of the Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum, led by Dr. Mustafa Jibrin, Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area in Niger State. Professor Yilwatda tasked these local government chairmen, whom he considers the closest elected officials to the grassroots, with the responsibility of assessing and reporting political appointees who are failing in their respective communities. He emphasized that regardless of administrative efficiency in Abuja or state capitals, an official who is 'politically zero' in their ward is a liability to the party, as their primary function, by virtue of their appointment, includes delivering votes.

The Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum, an umbrella body representing 685 APC local government council chairmen, affirmed its commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid. The forum disclosed plans to organize a major rally in Abuja to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term, coupled with a nationwide grassroots mobilization campaign for the 2027 elections. Dr. Jibrin highlighted President Tinubu’s achievements, particularly in granting local government autonomy and tackling subsidy challenges, as key factors endearing him and the party to grassroots communities. The forum also sought the APC leadership’s support in facilitating synergy with the Progressive Governors’ Forum to enhance grassroots coordination.

Adding to the comprehensive strategy, the APC North-West Zone announced its intention to embark on a strategic tour of the seven states within the region. This initiative, decided at a zonal leadership meeting in Kaduna chaired by Hon. Isah Sadiq Achida, aims to galvanize support for President Tinubu and position the party for a decisive victory in the 2027 general elections. The North-West is recognized as a vital political bloc for the APC, having delivered substantial votes in the 2023 presidential election, and the party is confident of surpassing that performance in the upcoming polls.

The zonal leadership underlined the historic political configuration of the North-West, noting it as the first time all seven states in the geopolitical zone are under the control of a single political party since the creation of states in Nigeria. They expressed profound gratitude to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for donating a utility vehicle and acknowledged the unwavering support of all APC governors in the North-West, along with prominent leaders like Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and other political office holders appointed by President Tinubu. These leaders were urged to sustain their momentum and provide even greater support as the 2027 election preparations gather pace.

In conclusion, Professor Yilwatda assured the Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum of the APC’s full support for their planned mobilization programmes, including the inauguration of state coordinators and the endorsement rally. He reiterated the party’s commitment to a strong partnership that would secure a resounding victory in 2027, emphasizing that the party leadership would actively participate in all efforts aimed at strengthening the APC without waiting for formal invitations, recognizing the local government chairmen as indispensable pillars for electoral success due to their direct connection to the populace.