The lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, has obtained the All Progressives Congress Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The development signals an early move within the ruling party toward President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign, even as political activities gradually begin to gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.
The forms were officially presented on Tuesday in Abuja by the APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, who declared the nomination process open.
Faleke, who is also the founder of the Tinubu Support Groups, received the forms during the presentation ceremony, underscoring his continued political alignment with the president and his longstanding role in mobilising grassroots support for Tinubu.
The acquisition of the forms is widely seen as a formal indication that supporters of the president are already laying the groundwork for a second-term bid in 2027.
Although President Tinubu has not publicly launched a campaign, the action by Faleke is expected to reinforce speculation that preparations for his re-election are underway within influential circles of the APC.
James Faleke has remained one of Tinubu’s close political allies over the years and has played strategic roles in party mobilisation, particularly in Lagos State and at the national level.
His decision to obtain the nomination documents on behalf of the president may also be interpreted as an effort to demonstrate loyalty and rally early support among party faithful.
The APC, Nigeria’s ruling party, is expected to face significant political contests in the lead-up to the 2027 election as opposition parties reposition and internal alignments continue to evolve.
By opening the sale of nomination forms, the party has effectively commenced one of the earliest visible stages of its internal electoral process.
Political observers note that while the presidential election remains some distance away, symbolic actions such as the purchase of forms often serve to test political momentum, energize supporters, and send signals to rivals.
For President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, a re-election campaign would likely focus on defending his administration’s policies, economic reforms, and governance record over the first term.
Supporters argue that continuity would allow ongoing reforms to mature, while critics are expected to challenge the pace and impact of current policies.
The formal presentation of the forms in Abuja is therefore likely to generate reactions across the political spectrum, especially as parties begin internal calculations for 2027.
Within the APC, the move may also discourage potential challengers by demonstrating that influential party figures are already consolidating support behind the incumbent president.
However, analysts say the actual nomination process could still depend on broader consultations, zoning considerations, party negotiations, and the political climate closer to the election year.
As founder of the Tinubu Support Groups, Faleke’s involvement highlights the role of political support networks in Nigeria’s electoral system, where organised grassroots structures often help shape campaign momentum.
The coming months are expected to reveal whether additional stakeholders, governors, lawmakers, and party leaders publicly align behind Tinubu’s prospective candidacy.
For now, the presentation of the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms marks a notable early milestone in what could become President Tinubu’s campaign for a second term in office.
