“You can challenge Tinubu for 2027 presidential ticket,” APC tells members

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the decision of the party’s leadership, including its National Working Committee (NWC) and the Sen. Hope Uzodinma-led Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), to endorse Bola Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate for 2027 election does not exclude others from challenging him at the primaries.

APC National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu stated this while addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat on Wednesday

Argungu said party stalwarts wishing to contest the 2027 presidential election may challenge President Bola Tinubu at its primaries.

Argungu stressed that the APC, as a democratic party, would not shut its doors to stalwarts wishing to contest its presidential ticket against Tinubu at the primaries.

“The aspiration of the people will be the wish of the party. The NWC has endorsed President Tinubu as our next presidential candidate.

“Other party organs have taken similar positions. Governments across most states and zones have also adopted him.

“But that does not mean the door is closed. When the time comes, we’ll publish our timetable for aspirants wishing to contest the presidency.

“Under the APC platform, we’ll not deny anyone the right to purchase forms. Members are free to exercise their franchise,” Argungu said.

He clarified that the party never closed its doors but wished to acknowledge Tinubu’s efforts in delivering good governance and serving Nigerians diligently.

He said Tinubu deserved a second term in office because he was performing well for the country and its citizens.

Argungu was reacting to a question on whether the APC would emulate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which reserved a sole presidential form for Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.

He, however, reaffirmed the decision of the party’s leadership, including its National Working Committee (NWC) and the Sen. Hope Uzodinma-led Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), to endorse Tinubu.

He added that the Sen. Godswill Akpabio-led National Assembly leadership also supported Tinubu, citing his impressive performance and economic policies that were beginning to yield positive results.

While celebrating the APC’s recent by-election victories in some states, he assured Nigerians that Tinubu and the APC remained dedicated to their welfare, security, and prosperity.

APC secured 13 of the 16 contested seats in the by-election.

According to Argungu, this achievement reaffirmed the confidence Nigerians continued to place in the APC.

“These victories are not just statistics; they show the strength, resilience, and growing acceptance of our party nationwide.

“They reflect Nigerians’ belief in our capacity to deliver purposeful leadership and good governance,” Argungu added.

(NAN)