The ruling party also pledged to intensify reconciliation efforts and take a more active role in campaigns as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to securing victory at the polls.
The party announced the decision at the end of its three-day National Strategic Retreat in Maiduguri, Borno State, which ran from Thursday, September 24, to Saturday, September 26.
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda said the party had reviewed its structures and electoral preparedness and considered itself ready for the forthcoming elections.
“We pass a vote of confidence on our presidential candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, and all the other candidates of our party that were elected in the primary elections for the 2027 general election,” Yilwatda said.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening Party Organisation, Unity and Electoral Readiness Towards 2027”, brought together members of the party’s National Working Committee, state chairmen and other stakeholders to review its organisation and preparations for the elections.
APC backs Tinubu ahead of 2027 elections
Yilwatda said Nigerians benefiting from the Tinubu administration’s policies would support the President’s re-election bid, citing infrastructure projects, economic reforms and social intervention programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He listed labourers, market women, food sellers, vendors, drivers using roads constructed by the administration and beneficiaries of government interventions among those he expected to vote for Tinubu in 2027.
“Those that are working and benefiting from President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda policies will vote for him in 2027, including labourers, mama food sellers, vendors and drivers plying roads constructed by President Tinubu,” he said.
The chairman described the APC as “strong and healthy” and said its review of party structures had covered the national, state, local government and ward levels, down to polling units.
He also commended Nigerians for their support for the party and the government over the past three years, urging members and supporters to mobilise behind the APC’s candidates.
His remarks reflect the party’s position on the administration’s record and its expectations for the next election. They do not establish how the listed groups or other voters will ultimately vote.
Party moves to address internal divisions
Beyond its endorsement of Tinubu and Shettima, the APC said it would intensify efforts to resolve internal disagreements ahead of the elections.
Yilwatda urged state and local government party leaders to establish reconciliation committees where they did not already exist. The committees are expected to address grievances among party members and improve unity across the party’s structures.
The National Working Committee also resolved to take a more active role in electioneering, pledging to lead campaign activities and other party engagements ahead of the polls.
“The National Working Committee also resolved to lead the campaign from the front and all the engagement of the party to ensure total victory for all our candidates in the forthcoming general elections,” the communiqué stated.
The emphasis on reconciliation comes amid reported disagreements within the ruling party over political alliances and the role of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s Rainbow Coalition.
The APC Governors’ Forum has said its members would support candidates officially sponsored by the party and reject political arrangements capable of weakening the APC or its candidates. The party’s latest resolutions similarly emphasise unity and support for its candidates across electoral contests.
Yilwatda also said the party had reviewed its performance in recent elections and expressed satisfaction with its results, including victories in Enugu and other states.
He commended the Borno State Government and its people for hosting the retreat and extended condolences to the people of Niger State over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody, an incident that has prompted calls for accountability and an investigation.
The APC’s retreat is another stage in its preparations for the 2027 elections, with the party seeking to strengthen its structures, manage internal disputes and mobilise support for Tinubu, Shettima and its other candidates.
