The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election, pledging unwavering support to ensure a decisive victory in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made public in Abuja by the Forum's Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, following a high-level meeting where members reviewed the administration's accomplishments in the North-Central zone since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
In its statement, the Forum highlighted Tinubu's administration as unprecedented in delivering infrastructural projects, appointments, and security improvements to the region, surpassing all previous governments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Diverging Views from the North
While the APC Forum in the North-Central has rallied behind Tinubu, opposition voices from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and its youth wing, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), have expressed dissatisfaction with his administration.
The ACF, in a communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, announced its support for northern presidential candidates in 2027. Similarly, AYCF President Alhaji Shettima Yerima criticized Tinubu’s leadership, warning that the North might withdraw its backing unless significant socio-economic improvements are achieved.
Tinubu's Achievements in Focus
Despite the dissent, the North-Central APC Forum emphasized the transformative impact of Tinubu’s leadership, underscoring progress in several critical areas:
Infrastructure and Development:
The Forum lauded the administration’s record-breaking infrastructural projects in the North-Central. It also urged Tinubu to approve the establishment of the proposed North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) to further enhance regional growth.
Improved Security:
Security in the region has significantly improved under Tinubu’s leadership, allowing farmers to return to their fields after years of insecurity. The Forum credited this improvement to the President’s proactive directives to security agencies.
Economic Policies:
Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly in the petroleum sector, were commended for stabilizing the Naira, boosting oil production, and increasing foreign reserves. The Forum expressed optimism that these policies would reduce inflation and enhance economic stability.
Political Influence:
The Forum pointed to recent defections from the Labour Party to the APC in Plateau State as evidence of Tinubu's growing political acceptance in the region. It anticipated more defections in the months ahead, further consolidating APC's dominance.
Rallying Support for 2027
The Forum described Tinubu’s administration as a milestone for the North-Central and urged all Nigerians to support his re-election bid.
“We stand united behind President Tinubu and his vision for a prosperous Nigeria. The North-Central APC Forum remains committed to mobilizing support and delivering another resounding victory for our leader in 2027,” the Forum stated.
The group assured President Tinubu of its continued loyalty and readiness to replicate the successes of 2023 in securing a second term for his administration.
