Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday made a bold and controversial declaration that President Bola Tinubu should not only be the sole presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, but also the “sole candidate for the whole Nigerian population.”
Speaking during the APC National Summit held at the State House in Abuja, Akpabio hailed Tinubu’s economic reforms and political leadership, asserting that Nigerians have never had it better under any administration.
“The political sagacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in view of the fact that despite very difficult times, he has been able to set Nigeria on a path of growth, confirmed by the International Monetary Fund,” Akpabio said.
He added that ordinary Nigerians and lawmakers alike were “very excited” about Tinubu’s leadership, declaring that “even members of the national assembly and senators said they have never had it this good.”
In a dramatic display of support, Akpabio called on APC lawmakers present at the summit to rise and endorse the president’s re-election bid. “I want to move, and let it be moved, that not only will President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be a sole candidate for the presidency in 2027, but he will also be a sole candidate for the whole Nigerian population,” he said to loud applause.
Continuing his remarks, Akpabio claimed opposition parties were collapsing across the country, singling out the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“I went to my state, and I saw the umbrella of the PDP. It has over 100 holes,” he quipped.
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He then declared: “Nigerians are saying that because you have done a difficult job well, it is time for us to reward you by sending you back to the presidency for a second term in office.”
Akpabio formally moved the motion for Tinubu’s unopposed return, a motion that was seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
“I stand on behalf of the entire 109 senators, 360 members, and all the 36 speakers and their members to second this very important motion,” Abbas said.
Earlier at the summit, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, also declared the unanimous endorsement of Tinubu by APC governors for the 2027 race.
The APC summit, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” has effectively turned into a rallying ground for Tinubu’s re-election campaign, just two years into his first term in office.