The All Progressives Congress (APC) has closed ranks across its six geopolitical zones in support of Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, even as opposition parties continue to grapple with internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At zonal congresses held nationwide on Wednesday, party leaders and delegates unanimously endorsed Tinubu as the APC’s preferred presidential candidate, reinforcing an earlier position taken by state chapters weeks ago.
The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for party primaries scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, a timeline that has intensified political alignments across parties.
In the North Central zone, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, moved the motion for Tinubu’s adoption, which was seconded by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule. Urging party members to remain committed, Akume said, “Don’t sleep. You must toil and sweat as if you were controlling only 10 states.”
Similarly, the South-West chapter pledged to deliver overwhelming votes for the president. Newly elected zonal chairman Isaac Kekemeke said, “We need your support. Our duty is to ensure overwhelming support for the president. That is the responsibility we have. Let’s ensure that the South-West delivers the highest votes for Tinubu in 2027.”
In the North-West, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani called on Nigerians to sustain support for the administration’s reforms, assuring that “greater opportunities lie ahead” as policies begin to take effect.
“Tell our people that the North West is on a path of progress. Tell them that the sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for a more secure, prosperous, and inclusive tomorrow. And tell them that greater opportunities lie ahead as President Tinubu’s reforms continue to take root,” he said.
Across the South-South and South-East zones, party leaders also emphasised unity and consensus as key to electoral success. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri described the consensus approach as a means of strengthening cohesion, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the process reflects the party’s internal stability.
“I congratulate members of our great party for the steady growth in membership across the South-East. Today’s exercise reflects our unity and commitment to progress,” Uzodimma said.
Meanwhile, in the North-East, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni urged party faithful to mobilise support for Tinubu, highlighting the region’s historical role in Nigeria’s political development.
The coordinated endorsements across zones underscore the APC’s growing internal cohesion as it prepares for the 2027 elections, in contrast to opposition parties facing leadership disputes and factional crises.
With newly elected zonal executives largely emerging through consensus, the party leadership has also tasked officials with strengthening grassroots mobilisation and sustaining the “Renewed Hope” agenda ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, oppostions are not creating a strong structure yet. While the two factions of the People’s Democratic Party only recently met for peace talks after it had all but two of its state governors to the APC, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on the other hand, is dealing with internal conflicts of a different kind as it tries to solidify its organization and establish a distinct political course. The party has slated its congress to hold its national congress on the 14th of April, and important leaders like Bolaji Abdullahi and Dele Momodu have emphasized that no one person controls the party despite clear indications that the party has a limited amount of time to create a unified national framework.
