Tinubu’s Second Term Assured, Says Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that his re-election in 2027 is secure, despite opposition efforts to challenge his presidency.

Speaking at a special Iftar dinner in Abuja on Wednesday, Akpabio expressed confidence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retaining power. The event, hosted by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), was attended by APC governors, National Assembly members, ministers, and other key government officials.

Addressing the gathering, Akpabio declared, “We will come back in 2027, in Jesus’ name, Amen. We will pray for our party, and victory shall be ours in 2027.” He then led an informal vote, asking attendees to support APC’s return to power. The response was overwhelmingly in favor.

The dinner, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, quickly became a platform for showcasing APC’s achievements under Tinubu’s leadership. Governors in attendance included Uzodinma (Imo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti). Other key figures included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several cabinet ministers.

Although Tinubu has not officially declared his re-election bid, party leaders have been vocal in their support. Recently, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje urged northern politicians eyeing the presidency in 2027 to wait until 2031, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume advised opposition leader Atiku Abubakar and other aspirants to drop their ambitions.

APC has also been making early campaign moves. A mega rally in Kebbi State two months ago, themed *We Stand with Tinubu and Kauran Gwandu*, drew a large crowd, while Kaduna APC stakeholders recently passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani. These moves have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who argue they violate the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

Governor Uzodinma, addressing the dinner, dismissed opposition efforts to challenge Tinubu, saying, “Whatever you are seeing now has happened before in this country. We must use political evangelism to ensure victory.” Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu echoed this sentiment, calling Tinubu’s presidency “the best choice Nigerians have made.” Finance Minister Wale Edun also defended the administration’s policies, claiming they were already reducing food prices.

Meanwhile, an opposition senator who attended the event distanced himself from APC’s campaign rhetoric. Speaking anonymously, he emphasized that his presence did not indicate any intention to defect, stating, “Some of their actions are directed against political opponents, and this can be dangerous.”

As 2027 approaches, APC appears to be solidifying its position, but opposition forces remain poised to challenge its grip on power.