Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has unequivocally stated his conviction that President Bola Tinubu will serve two full terms in office. This declaration, made during a meeting with delegations from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, underscores the APC’s unwavering support for Tinubu’s presidency and their confidence in his ability to secure re-election in 2027. Ganduje anchored his assertion on the principle of fairness, arguing that since a previous northern president had completed two terms (eight years), it would be unjust to deny Tinubu, a southerner, the same opportunity. This statement reflects the party’s commitment to maintaining a north-south power-sharing balance, a long-standing political convention aimed at ensuring equitable representation and mitigating regional tensions.
Ganduje’s pronouncements shed light on the APC’s long-term political strategy, which revolves around solidifying Tinubu’s position and ensuring his continued leadership beyond his current term. He emphasized the party’s adherence to a zoning formula, a practice intended to alternate the presidency between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria. By explicitly stating that the north should reclaim the presidency after Tinubu’s anticipated second term, Ganduje not only reinforces this rotational principle but also signals the APC’s commitment to internal party cohesion and the management of regional political aspirations. This strategic approach aims to preemptively address potential internal power struggles and maintain party unity by outlining a clear succession plan.
Furthermore, Ganduje’s endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid serves as a powerful message of confidence in the president’s performance and future prospects. He lauded the early successes of Tinubu’s policies, particularly in the economic realm, although without specifying these achievements in detail. This positive assessment, delivered by the party’s national chairman, acts as both a validation of the current administration’s efforts and a strategic maneuver to bolster public support for the president. By highlighting perceived positive outcomes, Ganduje aims to shape public opinion and create a narrative of success around Tinubu’s leadership, thereby strengthening his chances for re-election.
The meeting with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum also highlighted the APC’s focus on media engagement and youth mobilization as key components of their political strategy. Olusegun Dada, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, pledged the media centre’s commitment to countering what they perceive as misinformation targeted at the Tinubu administration. This emphasizes the administration’s awareness of the power of media narratives and their determination to control the information landscape surrounding the presidency. Dada’s assurance to provide extensive publicity for the 2027 re-election campaign further underscores the importance the APC places on strategic communication and its proactive approach to building and maintaining public support for Tinubu.
The combined statements of Ganduje and Dada reveal a multi-pronged approach by the APC to secure Tinubu’s second term. This strategy includes upholding the principle of regional power-sharing, highlighting perceived policy successes, actively engaging with the media to shape public narratives, and mobilizing youth support. By addressing both internal party dynamics and external public perception, the APC is laying the groundwork for a sustained campaign towards the 2027 elections. Their proactive stance demonstrates a clear intention to maintain political dominance and continue the APC’s hold on the presidency.
In essence, Ganduje’s declaration serves not only as an endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership but also as a strategic blueprint for the APC’s future political trajectory. It encapsulates the party’s commitment to internal cohesion, strategic communication, and youth engagement. The emphasis on a second term for Tinubu, presented as a matter of fairness and in line with the established zoning formula, underscores the APC’s calculated approach to maintaining power and managing the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics. The meeting with the media centre and youth forum further highlights the party’s understanding of the critical role of public perception and youth mobilization in achieving their political objectives.
