2027: Tinubu-Shettima Movement Hails APC Campaign Council Inauguration

The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027, also known as Forward Nigeria, has described the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council as a significant step in preparations for the 2027 general election.

The movement, in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, said the inauguration would provide a coordinated framework for political engagement and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

It commended President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other party leaders for their roles in the inauguration.

The movement also welcomed Tinubu’s reported assurance that preparations for the election would not distract his administration from its constitutional responsibilities.

According to the group, governance must remain a priority even as political parties organise for the forthcoming elections.

It also highlighted the reported participation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the inauguration, describing their involvement as an example of political engagement across party lines.

The group said such interactions could create opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among political leaders with different affiliations, adding that constructive engagement across the political spectrum could contribute to discussions on governance, economic development and democratic stability.

It maintained that cross-party engagement should not diminish the legitimacy of opposing political tendencies but should encourage dialogue on shared national priorities.

The movement further called on political leaders and campaign organisations to ensure that electioneering activities complemented, rather than undermined, the national interest.

It said the campaign council had an opportunity to communicate the administration’s policies and record to Nigerians while engaging citizens on their concerns and expectations.

The group also welcomed the APC national chairman’s commitment to coordinating mobilisation from the national level through state chapters, local governments and electoral wards.

It described grassroots engagement as an important component of political mobilisation, noting that it would enable campaign officials to explain government policies and programmes while listening to the concerns of citizens.

The movement called for the 2027 elections to be conducted as a contest of ideas, records and policies, with due regard for peace, democratic institutions and the electorate.

It urged political stakeholders to promote responsible communication, respect differing opinions and ensure that public debate focused on policy choices and citizens’ aspirations.

The group also challenged opposition parties to draw lessons from Tinubu’s approach to the forthcoming electoral season, arguing that public confidence depended on responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address citizens’ concerns.

It cautioned against what it described as grandstanding with unverifiable statistics, urging political actors to prioritise substantive policy debates over personal attacks.

The movement said the country’s future required responsible leadership, active citizen participation and a shared commitment to democratic progress.

It expressed confidence that the APC was prepared to provide the leadership needed to advance Nigeria’s development.