With just weeks remaining until political parties are slated to begin their primary elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has moved decisively toward adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The party’s zonal congresses, which concluded this week across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, reinforced this position, signaling broad internal cohesion and nationwide support for the incumbent president.
In the revised timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, is scheduled to commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026. Ahead of this window, all six APC zones held their congresses, adopting resolutions that explicitly support Tinubu’s candidacy. These events followed similar declarations by state chapters of the party, which had previously pledged loyalty and commitment to ensuring Tinubu’s re-election.
The zonal congresses took place at the respective party headquarters: North East in Gombe, North Central in Lafia, North West in Kaduna, South South in Asaba, South East in Enugu, and South West in Lagos. Among them, the North Central zone was the first to formally adopt Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for 2027.
At the North Central congress, Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, moved the adoption motion, which was seconded by the host governor, Abdullahi Sule. Both leaders highlighted the zone’s contributions to national development and emphasized the need for delegates to secure the highest possible votes for Tinubu in the upcoming elections. “Don’t sleep. You must toil and sweat as if you were controlling only 10 states,” Akume urged. Delegates from Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) subsequently re-elected former zonal vice chairman Mu’azu Mohammed Bawa Rijau to continue in his role.
In the South West, the newly elected zonal chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, reiterated the region’s commitment to delivering overwhelming support for Tinubu. He underscored the responsibility of party members in ensuring the South West contributes the highest votes for the president in 2027. Attending the event were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who described the congress as free, fair, and in line with constitutional provisions.
Meanwhile, the South-South zonal congress in Asaba, Delta State, showcased a unified front among governors, who pledged their support for Tinubu’s re-election. Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, described the adoption of a consensus method for electing party officials as essential for fostering unity and consolidating the party ahead of the 2027 elections. During the congress, Chief Victor Giadom, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, was reelected as Zonal Vice Chairman, while Samuel Nwanosike, also an ally of Wike, was elected as Zonal Publicity Secretary.
In the North West, Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, urged citizens to remain steadfast in supporting Tinubu’s ongoing reforms. Speaking at the zonal congress, Sani highlighted improvements in security and economic activity across the region, asserting that they should serve as inspiration for voters. Newly elected Vice Chairman Garba Datti Babawo reaffirmed the commitment of the zonal executive to deliver votes for Tinubu and called on regional governors to provide necessary support for the party’s initiatives ahead of the 2027 elections. The North West zonal congress returned its newly elected executives through a consensus arrangement agreed upon by party stakeholders.
The North East zonal congress in Gombe saw Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State calling on APC members to unite and mobilize support for the president’s re-election bid. Buni, also the North East Coordinator for the party, emphasized the region’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, from the era of late Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to the current administration. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri stressed the importance of teamwork among stakeholders to ensure electoral success. Elected zonal executives included Idris Shu’aibu as Vice Chairman, Baba Ali as Secretary, Nitte Amangal as Publicity Secretary, and Hajiya Lumbi Abubakar as Women Leader.
At the South East zonal congress, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State lauded Tinubu for reforms that have put Nigeria on a path of economic growth. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo described the consensus arrangement as reflective of party cohesion and constitutional compliance. Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu was returned as the South East National Vice Chairman, thanking party members for their confidence in her leadership. The congress was attended by prominent figures, including Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, former Senate President Chief Ken Nnamani, and former Anambra State Governor, Senator Chris Ngige.
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yiltwada, represented by Deputy National Secretary Abdulkarim Kana, praised the North Central zone’s loyalty to the party’s “Renewed Hope” agenda under Tinubu. He described the zone as a “political bridge” for Nigeria, urging newly inaugurated zonal officers to uphold party unity, engage in grassroots mobilization, and embody the principles of progress, accountability, and people-centered governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
With these zonal congresses concluded, the APC has positioned itself as a unified national force behind President Tinubu, demonstrating strong internal cohesion, strategic planning, and readiness for the next general elections. The collective endorsement across all six geopolitical zones underscores the party’s resolve to retain power and consolidate its influence nationwide, while mobilizing support from grassroots to elite stakeholders.
