S’WEST APC LEADERS CLOSE RANKS, ENDORSE TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the South-West have agreed to set aside internal disagreements and work together to secure President Bola Tinubu's re-election in the 2027 general elections.

The decision followed a strategic meeting of APC stakeholders from the six South-West states held in Ikeja, Lagos, where party leaders discussed the administration's performance, internal party challenges and strategies for strengthening the APC's electoral prospects.

Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, announced the resolution while presenting the outcome of the meeting. He said representatives of different political interests had agreed to put aside their differences and support Tinubu's second-term ambition.

Those present included former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo, former Osun State Governor Segun Oni and other prominent party chieftains.

Mimiko said the stakeholders were satisfied with the direction of the Tinubu administration, particularly its policies on tertiary education and digital infrastructure. He highlighted efforts to improve the stability of academic calendars in universities and expand access to digital learning opportunities.

He also acknowledged that the administration had faced challenges but maintained that its policy direction and decisions justified continued support.

Former Governor Fashola, who chairs the South-West Stakeholders Engagement Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, urged party leaders to intensify efforts to reconcile aggrieved members.

He warned that unresolved grievances arising from previous party contests could weaken the APC's chances in 2027. He called on those who emerged victorious in internal elections to reach out to dissatisfied members and bring them back into the party's fold.

Fashola also proposed a broader mobilisation strategy targeting opposition groups, artisans, trade unions, first-time voters and Nigerians who had become less enthusiastic about participating in elections.

He disclosed that 10 delegates had been selected from each of the six South-West states to support the coordination of the campaign.

The stakeholders also expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police, describing decentralised security as an important step towards addressing Nigeria's security challenges.

The resolution signals an effort by the APC to consolidate its political strength in the South-West. However, whether the promised reconciliation and mobilisation will translate into electoral support remains to be seen as the 2027 elections approach.