North-Central Political Heavyweights Spearhead Tinubu's 2027 Re-election Drive

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, alongside Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, recently spearheaded a significant political gathering in Abuja. On Friday, they launched a regional initiative aimed at garnering robust support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima's re-election bid in 2027.

Named the North-Central Grassroots Mobilisation Movement for Tinubu/Shettima 2027, the inaugural meeting took place at Senator Akume's office. A statement released on Saturday by the movement's National Coordinator, Sonny Echono, confirmed the launch.

During the meeting, Senator Akume articulated the movement's core mission, stating, “The principal objective of this movement is to canvass support and mobilise a massive turnout for Mr President in the 2027 election.” He further praised Echono for conceptualising the platform and uniting key stakeholders. Akume expressed confidence that the North-Central region would deliver the highest number of votes for President Tinubu in the upcoming election cycle.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State lauded the initiative as timely. He highlighted the improved political standing of the North-Central compared to the period preceding the 2023 elections, citing the presence of the SGF, the APC National Chairman, and other prominent political appointees from the region as evidence. Governor Sule voiced his conviction that the region would achieve a strong electoral performance for President Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in 2027.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended Echono for what he described as a pioneering movement. Minister Idris pledged that the necessary logistical and structural support would be extended to facilitate the movement's activities leading up to the 2027 general elections.

Mr. Echono, the National Coordinator, explained that the movement's goal is to effectively coordinate political leaders and grassroots stakeholders across the six states comprising the North-Central region. He emphasized a shift in focus, stating, “The conversation is no longer simply about whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the North-Central, but about the region positioning itself to deliver the highest number of votes to the President in the 2027 election.” Echono also acknowledged the support received from Senator Akume, the North-Central Governors’ Forum, and other stakeholders for the current Tinubu administration.

In related political discourse, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) affirmed that the association would critique government policies when necessary. Similarly, a former CAN president urged President Tinubu to prioritize addressing hunger and insecurity nationwide. Meanwhile, the G100 group is reportedly considering a runoff scenario, even as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have voiced opposition to a single ticket arrangement.