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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms, boasting that he will contest and win.
The nomination forms to contest the 2027 presidential election was purchased on his behalf by the House of Representatives member for Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Abiodun Faleke in Abuja yesterday.
He claimed that Nigerians and many support groups pooled funds to raise the N100 million used in purchasing the nomination form, emphasising that it was done on behalf of Nigerians.
The national leadership of the APC, the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the Deputy National Chairman (North) Ali Buka Dalori, National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, and others presented the forms to Faleke at the Abuja Continental Hotels, venue of the sale of the forms by 1.15pm.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after picking the forms, he dismissed the insinuations that an individual person purchased the forms, emphasising that it was done on behalf of all Nigerians.
“I represent Ikeja Federal constituency. And by the grace of God, I am the representative of Mr. President in the House of Reps. For all support groups who have made efforts, who have contributed money to purchase the form, I have done so on their behalf, on behalf of Nigerians.
“There is no one particular person that has done this. It is on behalf of all Nigerians. Just as we did pre-2023 election, when I was also privileged, with some leaders, to buy the form, here again, I am privileged to buy the form on behalf of all Nigerians, for our performing president. And by the grace of God, 2027 will be a reality. By the grace of God, he will contest and he will win the election.”
Dismissing any threat from the coalition of parties planning to field a united candidate for next year’s presidential election, Faleke said: “First, let me say that political parties can come together as a part of democracy. When we do our work, they will do their work.”
He also announced that he equally picked the nomination forms for other contestants including Kadiri Obafemi Hamza, contesting Lagos State governorship election, incumbent Senator, Idiat Adebule and himself re-contesting his position as Representatives.
The venue for the purchase of the nomination forms was a rowdy following failure of the party’s national leadership to decentralise the point of sale.
Security agencies had to battle to keep the surging crowd of aspirants that poured into the venue in check, resulting in near stampede and pickpockets operating freely.
While some pickpockets were caught and handed over to the security agencies while many stakeholders lost their personal belongings at the venue.
•Defend democracy, Yilwatda urges youths
National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerian youths to rise to the challenge of safeguarding and strengthening the nation’s democracy, describing them as the critical force for sustaining the country’s present and future stability.
Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing national reforms, Professor Yilwatda urged young Nigerians, particularly those within the active demographic bracket of 25 to 55, to take ownership of the democratic process and resist attempts by self-serving political actors to derail the country’s progress.
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He emphasised that this call has become imperative in view of recent movements by certain political interests across the country, aimed at promoting narrow personal ambitions while misinforming citizens about the intentions and outcomes of the current administration’s reform agenda.
In a statement by Abimbola Tooki, he said, “Nigeria’s democracy is at a defining moment. The responsibility to defend and consolidate it rests heavily on our youths, who possess the energy, innovation, and patriotic zeal required to move the nation forward. We must not allow individuals who offer no credible alternatives to past challenges to mislead the people or truncate the gains already being recorded.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) today stands as a truly youth-driven political movement, with over 50 percent of its membership comprising young men and women.
This demographic strength reflects the party’s deliberate commitment to inclusion, generational renewal, and the empowerment of emerging leaders as key drivers of Nigeria’s democratic future.
In a historic and defining milestone, the party has, for the first time since its formation, entrusted its national leadership to a youthful figure in the person of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. This development underscores the APC’s progressive orientation and its recognition of the strategic importance of youth leadership in navigating the complexities of modern governance and politics.
By elevating a young leader to its highest administrative office, the APC has not only broken new ground but has also sent a powerful signal about its confidence in the capacity, vision, and dynamism of Nigeria’s younger generation. It reinforces the party’s belief that sustainable democracy and national development are best secured when young people are not merely participants, but central actors in shaping policy, driving reforms, and defending democratic values.
He said this youthful dominance within the party structure positions the APC as a forward-looking institution, well aligned with Nigeria’s demographic realities and better equipped to harness the energy, innovation, and resilience of its people for national progress.
Professor Yilwatda warned that entrusting Nigeria’s future to such elements, who are pursuing their personal agenda of becoming the president at all cost, would be a costly mistake, capable of reversing hard-earned progress and returning the country to periods of uncertainty and stagnation.
He acknowledged that the ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have come with difficult adjustments, but stressed that these measures are necessary foundations for long-term prosperity.
He noted that early indicators show the reforms are already repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth, fiscal stability, and global competitiveness.
Highlighting the advantages of a youthful population, the APC Chairman noted that young people bring adaptability, technological awareness, and a forward-looking mindset, qualities essential for deepening democratic values, enhancing civic participation, and holding leadership accountable.
He added that a politically conscious and engaged youth population remains the strongest guarantee against democratic backsliding.
Professor Yilwatda further pointed out that the administration’s economic and structural reforms have received commendation from respected international bodies such as the World Bank and other global stakeholders, signaling renewed confidence in Nigeria’s direction.
He observed that these positive signals have begun to translate into increased investor interest across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing. Recent policy shifts, particularly in foreign exchange management, subsidy reforms, and investment liberalization, have made Nigeria a more attractive destination for both local and foreign capital.
“Investor confidence is gradually being restored. From renewed commitments in the oil and gas sector to growing interest in Nigeria’s digital economy and infrastructure space, the signs are clear that the country is on a path to recovery and growth,” he stated.
