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By Myke Agunwa
In a strategic show of unity, unwavering solidarity and confidence, governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have unanimously adopted President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general election.
This is even as opposition parties are forging a mega coalition, shopping for a politically sagacious candidate and an acceptable party to challenge and floor Tinubu at the polls.
This bold move by APC governors, underscores their belief in Tinubu’s proven leadership, national appeal, and capacity to consolidate the party’s achievements while addressing Nigeria’s evolving challenges. The adoption reflects a desire to avoid internal divisions, ensuring a focused and coordinated campaign.
The endorsement speaks to Tinubu’s record as a master strategist, economic reformer, and bridge-builder capacity across ethnic and political lines, which positions him as the most viable candidate to sustain progressive governance.
It is believed that the governors’ decision sends a strong signal of political realignment and stability within the ruling party. It also sets the stage for a robust electoral campaign aimed at securing a renewed mandate for national development under his leadership.
Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma and chairman of the forum, announced the decision on Thursday at the APC summit in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Uzodimma said the governors were united in their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“That for Nigeria to get to her destination faster in prosperity, the president should be used and adopted as our flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election for a second term in office.
“That the governors produced by our All Progressives Congress are hereby charged to take responsibility to market our federal government policies, occupy the political space in their domains, and take responsibility for winning all elections in their states come 2027.
“It is therefore my humble pleasure, with total humility to Almighty God to move that this August assembly adopt and concur with the position of progressive governors that Mr. President carry our flag in 2027 and governors take responsibility for delivering this mandate. I so move as a motion.”
Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state, seconded the motion, declaring support for Tinubu’s re-election.
“I rise to second the motion as ably moved by the chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, the governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, that this August gathering pass a vote of confidence on our able and amiable president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a sole candidate of APC come 2027 general election,” he said.
APC governors from the north-central geopolitical zone had on Wednesday passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu’s administration.
By rallying behind Tinubu, the APC seeks to present a united front, ensuring electoral strength and continuity in governance for a prosperous Nigeria.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the governors are not in a position to tell Nigerians whom to vote for as hunger and hardship will be the decider. It went further to state that no one expects the governors to say anything different inside the villa where they are being hosted with public funds.
In a chat with Pointblanknews.com, Hon. Debo Ologunagba National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said, “Nigerian people will decide. Nigerian people who are hungry will determine whether they can pass a vote of confidence on Tinubu or not. what do you expect to hear from people who are in the villa?
“Governor Zulum was just talking about renewed insecurity; can he say it there? Can he come and talk about insecurity in the villa? He will say that the president is doing well now, that he has fixed everything,” he said.
The National Publicity Secretary of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson also described the endorsement as hasty.
“Well, I’m not sure that their constitution allows it, but it is normal. For me it is too early. It might be a way the APC governors and others within their party will try to bamboozle the Nigerian public into believing that the administration is performing wonderfully well.
“You know psychologically, if he is a sole candidate and they’re all adopting him, you will begin to feel as if the economy and the country is going in the right direction. So it might be that sort of trick that they’re up to. But I’m sure that Nigerians and the opposition parties will make sure that issues are looked at dispassionately and assessed so that we can give him a realistic and proper scorecard,” Johnson said.