Paragraph 1: Endorsement and Regional Divide
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027. This endorsement underscores a growing regional divide within Nigeria’s political landscape regarding Tinubu’s presidency. While the North-Central APC Forum champions Tinubu’s achievements and promises unwavering support, other influential northern groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), have expressed reservations and even regret over their support for Tinubu in the 2023 elections. This divergence in opinion highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics, where regional interests and alliances often play a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Paragraph 2: Basis for Endorsement
The North-Central APC Forum’s endorsement rests on the premise that the region has significantly benefited from Tinubu’s leadership since he assumed office in 2023. The forum cites advancements in infrastructure development, strategic political appointments favoring the North-Central, and improved security as key justifications for their support. They contend that no previous administration since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 has shown such commitment to the North-Central’s progress. This assertion reflects the forum’s belief that Tinubu’s policies are effectively addressing the region’s specific needs and aspirations.
Paragraph 3: Economic Optimism and Reform Agenda
The forum expresses strong confidence in President Tinubu’s economic policies, highlighting recent positive indicators such as the strengthening of the Naira against foreign currencies, increased oil production, and growth in foreign reserves. They believe that Tinubu’s reforms, particularly in the petroleum sector, will eventually lead to lower fuel prices and a reduction in inflation, thereby alleviating the economic burden on Nigerians. They advocate for continued support for Tinubu’s administration to allow these reforms to fully mature and yield tangible benefits for the country.
Paragraph 4: Security Improvements and Agricultural Revival
The North-Central APC Forum also credits President Tinubu with improving the security situation in the region. They note a significant decline in insecurity compared to previous administrations, enabling farmers to return to their fields and resume agricultural activities. This emphasis on security reflects the critical role of agriculture in the North-Central region’s economy and the disruptive impact of previous insecurity on livelihoods. The forum attributes the improved security to President Tinubu’s decisive leadership and the effective implementation of security measures.
Paragraph 5: Call for Continued Development and Political Alignment
The forum urges President Tinubu to further prioritize developmental projects in the North-Central region and expresses confidence in his commitment to signing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill into law once it passes through the National Assembly. This call for continued investment highlights the region’s desire for sustained development and its belief in Tinubu as a facilitator of that progress. The forum underscores its unwavering support for Tinubu’s policies and programs, further emphasizing its commitment to ensuring his re-election in 2027.
Paragraph 6: Political Momentum and Expected Defections
The North-Central APC Forum interprets recent defections of lawmakers from other political parties to the APC as a sign of growing support for President Tinubu within the region. They anticipate further defections in the coming days, signaling a consolidation of political power behind Tinubu. The forum’s confident assertion of its commitment to actively campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election, just as they did in 2023, underlines their determination to secure a second term for the president and maintain the perceived benefits his administration brings to the North-Central region. This underlines the ongoing political maneuvering and realignments that characterize the Nigerian political landscape in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
