From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The All Progressives Congress (APC) North-West Zone, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, May 17, unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The gathering, attended by prominent party leaders, included National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), and Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, ministers, state and federal legislators, state APC chairmen, heads of federal agencies, and senior appointees.
Deputy Senate President Barau set the tone, asking the crowd, “Aso Rock?” to which they responded, “No vacancy.”
He declared, “So it is clear in 2027 we are going to have a landslide victory, inshallah.” Barau attributed the influx of opposition defectors to Tinubu’s performance in tackling security and economic challenges, noting improved access to areas like Birnin Gwari and the Abuja-Kaduna route.
“Several areas that were not accessible are now accessible. We know we are not where we want to be… but it’s a work in progress,” he said.
Ganduje reinforced Tinubu’s commitment to the North-West, citing infrastructure, agriculture, and social development projects, including the North-West Development Commission. “We have started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said, emphatically stating, “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa come 2027.”
Speaker Abbas, who moved the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement, highlighted the APC’s growing appeal due to defections and urged stronger grassroots mobilisation, especially among youth and women. “At the National Assembly, we are committed to championing legislation aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said, referencing bills on infrastructure, security, and the digital economy.
Governor Uba Sani, the APC North-West Coordinating Governor, read a communiqué reaffirming loyalty to the APC and support for Tinubu’s vision. “We thank and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his purposeful leadership, bold reforms, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress, especially in the North West zone,” Sani said. The communiqué noted improved security, enabling farmers’ return, and unprecedented federal representation with 12 ministers and key National Assembly positions.
The vote of confidence and endorsement, moved by Abbas and Barau, was seconded by Governor Idris and affirmed by a voice vote. The stakeholders hailed the APC’s growing strength and Tinubu’s infrastructure projects as signs of a new developmental era in the North-West.