Tag: Bola Tinubu 2027

  • APC Chieftain Warns 90% South-East Votes for Tinubu Won’t Be Enough in 2027

    APC Chieftain Warns 90% South-East Votes for Tinubu Won’t Be Enough in 2027

    By Francis Wilfred

    A leading All Progressives Congress (APC) figure in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has cautioned that even 90 percent of South-east votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election may not be sufficient. He claimed that the region is gradually becoming an APC stronghold but stressed that full consolidation is still required.

    Ikonne, the immediate past Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), made the remarks during an interview on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Tuesday evening. He said the endorsement of Tinubu by South-east leaders underscores a strategic realignment of the region with the federal government.According to Ikonne, recent political developments show a weakening of Labour Party influence in the South-east. “Governor Alex Otti refused to follow Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) because he knew Obi won’t go far. Otti is no longer a factor as he does not even have a functioning party,” Ikonne said.

    He also highlighted the ongoing efforts by APC leaders to engage Igbos living outside the South-east. “The votes from the South-east will not only come from those residing in the region but also from those outside. Using Abia as a case study, the PDP has nearly emptied into APC, and this trend will influence other states,” he explained.Ikonne described the endorsement by serving governors, former governors, ex-Senate Presidents, ministers, and other political leaders as a sign of South-east consolidation behind Tinubu. “Politics is about numbers and structure. When leaders who command followership align, the votes follow. This endorsement is a clear statement that the South-east is properly realigned with the center,” he said.He further downplayed the political influence of Peter Obi, suggesting that internal disarray within Obi’s ADC and weak party structures will hinder his chances in 2027. “If the only governor elected on his platform has effectively abandoned him, what does that tell you?” Ikonne asked, referring to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.The APC chieftain also dismissed recent criticisms of President Tinubu by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, asserting that the senator has lost relevance and cannot win re-election.Ikonne emphasized the economic and strategic reasons for aligning with the center. “Southeasterners are traders and businesspeople across Nigeria. We cannot afford to isolate ourselves from government. Aligning with the center benefits our businesses and strengthens our influence,” he said.He concluded by reiterating the APC’s growing dominance in the South-east. “The Igbos are not fools, and no Igbo man wants to make one mistake twice. The South-east will eventually become an APC stronghold, and with current endorsements, we are clearly moving in that direction,” Ikonne said.

  • Plateau APC Endorses Tinubu for Second Term, Dismisses Mutfwang’s Alleged Defection Bid

    Plateau APC Endorses Tinubu for Second Term, Dismisses Mutfwang’s Alleged Defection Bid

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State on Friday unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office and dismissed alleged plans by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to defect to the party.

    The endorsement came during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, where former Acting Vice Chairman, Barrister Festus Fuanter, moved a motion to adopt President Tinubu as the APC’s “sole presidential candidate” for the 2027 general election. The motion was seconded by Alice Dimlong and unanimously approved by party members present.

    Stakeholders at the meeting also accused Governor Mutfwang of “sitting on a stolen mandate” and vowed to prevent him from seeking re-election. They expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim Plateau State in the next electoral cycle.

    The party further announced plans to officially welcome new members and returnees into its fold on October 30. A committee chaired by Elder Pam Gyang has been inaugurated to oversee the event and ensure smooth coordination.

    In his remarks, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda praised the APC’s performance and growing appeal nationwide, describing it as a “party of strategy and results.” He noted that the party had fulfilled nearly half of its campaign promises to Nigerians.

    “APC gives voice to everyone. People are joining because the party is healthy and vibrant. We’ll soon be receiving more notable figures, including governors and National Assembly members. Every week, APC will unveil world-class empowerment programmes. Let’s take advantage of them — the more, the merrier,” Yilwatda stated.

    Also speaking, Senator Simon Lalong, Hon. Idris Wase, and Dame Pauline Tallen urged members to prioritize unity and collective progress within the party. Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State, called on all members to put aside internal divisions for the sake of party strength and electoral victory.

    “Bury whatever faction you belong to and tear down barriers,” he advised. “Politics is local, and supporting the National Chairman and the party leadership will ensure our success.”

    Plateau State APC Chairman, Rufus Bature, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a “strategic step toward internal cohesion and renewed focus.” He encouraged members to work diligently to justify the trust President Tinubu has placed in the Plateau chapter of the party.

    The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by party leaders to expand grassroots mobilization efforts and strengthen the APC’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.