The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
In a statement released after a meeting in Abuja on Sunday, the Forum emphasized that the North-Central zone would firmly stand behind Tinubu for a second term. Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, signed the statement, highlighting Tinubu’s contributions to the region since assuming office in 2023.
The endorsement comes amid opposition from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and its youth wing, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF). Both groups have expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration and announced their preference for a northern candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
The ACF, through a communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, stated its intent to back northern candidates. Similarly, the AYCF, led by Alhaji Shettima Yerima, criticized the administration’s socio-economic policies and warned that the North might oppose Tinubu unless significant improvements are made.
Despite this, the North-Central APC Forum praised Tinubu’s leadership, citing progress in infrastructure, appointments, and security in the region.
The Forum asserted that the region had witnessed unprecedented development under Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in infrastructure and security. It also expressed optimism about the proposed North Central Development Commission (NCDC), urging Tinubu to sign the bill into law once passed by the National Assembly.
The statement noted:
Security Improvements: Farmers in the region can now safely return to their fields, a significant change from previous administrations.
Economic Policies: Tinubu’s reforms, including efforts in the petroleum sector, have eliminated fuel scarcity, stabilized the naira, and improved oil production and foreign reserves.
Infrastructural Projects: The Forum claimed no administration since 1999 has invested as much in the North-Central as Tinubu’s.
“We are confident in President Tinubu’s ability to transform Nigeria and are committed to supporting his re-election bid,” the Forum stated. It emphasized Tinubu’s leadership in addressing insecurity, improving the economy, and driving infrastructural development.
The Forum also acknowledged the recent defections of two Labour Party members from Plateau State—Alfred Ajang Illiya and Daniel Chollom—to the APC as evidence of growing support for Tinubu in the North-Central.
“We anticipate more defections from other parties to the APC in the coming days,” the statement read.
The North-Central APC Forum assured Tinubu of unwavering support and pledged to work tirelessly for his re-election in 2027, just as they did in 2023.
