By Hosea Parah
The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — has hailed the timely inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a significant step in preparations for the 2027 general elections.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by its National Chairman, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali.
”The inauguration provides a coordinated framework for political engagement and grassroots mobilisation while reaffirming the importance of unity, discipline and sustained attention to governance as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
”The Movement commends President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and all other party leaders and stakeholders for the various roles they played in the inauguration and their undistputed commitment to nationwide mobilisation for the Presidential election.
”We note, of particular importance is President Tinubu’s emphasis that electoral preparations would not distract his Administration from its constitutional responsibilities. This statesmanly position reinforces the principle that governance must remain a continuing priority, even as political parties organise for the forthcoming elections.
”The Movement further notes with interest the involvement and participation of prominent political leaders from other political platforms at the inauguration, including the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who reportedly delivered goodwill messages in support of the President’s re-election bid.
”Their participation highlights the significance of political engagement that extends beyond traditional political party boundaries and creates opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among leaders with different political affiliations. This is a rare and unique bipartisanship in the service of the nation.
”The Movement believes that constructive engagement across the political spectrum would greatly contribute to a broader national conversation on governance, economic development and democratic stability. Such engagement need not diminish the legitimate status of the various political tendencies; rather, it can encourage dialogue on shared national priorities and the country’s long-term interests.
”The emergence of cross-party engagement around the 2027 electoral process also underscores the importance of building political relationships through dialogue, accommodation, compromise and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s future.
”The Movement commends the President’s commitment to balance the demands of governance and the expectations of the political campaign throughout the electoral season. This clearly, underscores the need for continuity in public service delivery, economic management and national development.
”The President’s stated commitment to continued engagement with Nigerians, alongside coordinated mobilisation across states, local governments and electoral wards, also highlights the importance of maintaining communication between government and citizens.
”The Movement urges political leaders and campaign organisations to ensure that electioneering activities should complement and reinforce rather than detract from the national interest.
”The Movement believes that the campaign council is well positioned to communicate the President Tinubu’s Administration’s policies and records of achievements, effectively and in a manner that would invite the support from the electorates.
”The Movement notes the commitment expressed by the APC National Chairman to coordinate mobilisation from the national level through state chapters, local governments down to electoral units. Surely, this is the way to go. Effective grassroots engagement is an important component of political mobilisation. It provides the campaign coordinators opportunities to communicate government policies and programmes, listen to citizens’ concerns and explain government policy positions to communities across the country.
”The Movement also welcomes the call for the 2027 elections to be conducted as a contest of ideas, records and policies, with due regard for peace, democratic institutions and the Nigerian electorate.
”We encourage all political stakeholders to promote responsible communication, respect differing opinions and contribute to an electoral environment in which public debate is guided by facts, policy choices and the aspirations of citizens.
”As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — calls on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to approach the electoral process with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic principles.
”The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council offers an opportunity to strengthen political coordination and broaden public engagement around the country’s economic, social and developmental priorities.
”The Movement calls on the opposition political parties to learn a lesson or two from President Tinubu’s approach to the 2027 season. They must know that public confidence is best sustained when political commitments are accompanied by responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address the concerns of Nigerians, not grand standing with innate and unverifiable statistics.
”We, therefore, encourage a political climate in which disagreements are resolved through democratic engagement, policy debates take precedence over personal attacks, and the welfare of citizens remains central to discussions about the country’s future.
”For the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027- Forward, democracy is all about a continuing commitment to national progress, inclusive political engagement, responsible governance and the pursuit of a more prosperous and stable country.
”Nigeria’s future requires responsible leadership, active citizenship participation, and a shared commitment to democratic progress. The All Progressive Congress (APC) is ready and able to offer these to the nation,” the statement read