By Bola Olamide
The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027, under the aegis Forward Nigeria, has hailed the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a significant step towards preparations for the 2027 general election.
The movement said the inauguration would strengthen political coordination, grassroots mobilisation and public engagement ahead of the election.
In a statement on Thursday signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, and made available to SINL.ng the group commended Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other party leaders for their roles in the inauguration.
It also praised their commitment to nationwide mobilisation for the President’s re-election bid.
The movement particularly welcomed Tinubu’s assurance that preparations for the election would not distract his administration from its constitutional responsibilities.
According to the group, “the position underscores the need to sustain governance, public service delivery, economic management and national development during the electoral season”.
It also described the participation of political leaders from different platforms, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the inauguration as a demonstration of the value of cross-party engagement.
Continuing, the group said “the development represented a rare form of bipartisanship that could promote dialogue and cooperation among political leaders despite their differing affiliations”.
It added that constructive engagement across the political spectrum could contribute to broader discussions on governance, economic development and democratic stability.
The statement noted that “cooperation among political leaders did not diminish the legitimacy of different political tendencies but could encourage dialogue on shared national priorities and Nigeria’s long-term interests”.
The group however urged political leaders and campaign organisations to ensure that electioneering activities complemented, rather than undermined, the national interest.
It expressed confidence that the Presidential Campaign Council was well-positioned to communicate the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration effectively to Nigerians.
The movement also commended Yilwatda’s commitment to coordinating mobilisation from the national level through state chapters, local governments and electoral wards.
It described grassroots engagement as essential to political mobilisation, noting that it provides opportunities for campaign coordinators to explain government policies, listen to citizens’ concerns and communicate the administration’s programmes to communities.
The group further welcomed calls for the 2027 elections to be based on ideas, records and policies, with due regard for peace, democratic institutions and the interests of the electorate.
Additionally, it urged political stakeholders to promote responsible communication, respect opposing views and ensure that public debates were guided by facts, policy choices and citizens’ aspirations.
As preparations for the elections gather momentum, the movement called on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to approach the process with a strong commitment to democratic principles.
It also urged opposition parties to learn from Tinubu’s approach to the electoral season, arguing that public confidence was best sustained through responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address citizens’ concerns.
The group cautioned against what it described as grandstanding with unverifiable statistics, stressing that policy debates should take precedence over personal attacks.
It said Nigeria’s future required responsible leadership, active citizen participation, inclusive political engagement and a shared commitment to democratic progress.
Meanwhile, the statement reaffirmed the movement’s support for the APC, expressing confidence that the party could provide the leadership needed to advance national development and build a more prosperous and stable country.
