Progressive Governors Forum Endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as APC’s Sole Candidate for 2027 Presidential Election
In a decisive political development that signals unity within the ruling party, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 presidential election. This endorsement marks a significant step toward consolidating Tinubu’s leadership position and shaping Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.
The Announcement at the APC Summit in Abuja
The official endorsement was made public during a high-profile APC summit held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Abuja, the nation’s capital. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who doubles as the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, took center stage to announce the collective decision of the APC governors.
Speaking with firm conviction, Governor Uzodimma revealed that the endorsement is born out of a shared belief in President Tinubu’s capability to lead Nigeria towards greater prosperity. “That for Nigeria to get to her destination faster in prosperity, that the president should be used and adopted as our flag bearer for 2027 presidential election, for a second term in office,” Uzodimma declared. His words underscored the forum’s confidence that Tinubu’s leadership is essential for the continued socio-economic progress and political stability of Nigeria.
The Role of the Progressive Governors Forum
The Progressive Governors Forum is a powerful coalition of governors elected on the APC platform across Nigeria’s 36 states. The forum acts as a strategic think tank and political pressure group within the party, influencing policies and shaping the direction of the APC government. Their endorsement carries significant weight, as it reflects consensus among key regional leaders who govern diverse geopolitical zones.
Uzodimma’s announcement on behalf of the governors not only reflects unity within the APC but also signals a strategic effort to consolidate political support for President Tinubu as he eyes a second term in office. This unity is particularly important in Nigeria’s often fragmented political environment, where party infighting can derail governance and electoral ambitions.
Support from Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State
Backing Governor Uzodimma’s motion was Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, a prominent political figure from the northern region. Sani’s seconding of the endorsement motion reinforced the widespread confidence in Tinubu’s leadership across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
“I rise to second the motion as ably moved by the chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, the governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, that this August gathering pass a vote of confidence on our able and amiable president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a sole candidate of APC come 2027 general election,” Governor Sani declared with passion.
This expression of support from Kaduna State’s governor is particularly significant given Nigeria’s ethnic and regional dynamics, where political endorsements from key northern leaders are critical to a candidate’s nationwide acceptance.
The Vote of Confidence by Northern APC Governors
The Progressive Governors Forum’s endorsement was preceded by a similar show of support from APC governors in the North-Central geopolitical zone on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. These governors passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s administration, underscoring a growing consensus within the party’s northern strongholds.
This pattern of endorsements from both the northern states and the broader coalition of progressive governors reflects a deliberate effort to build a united front for Tinubu’s re-election bid. It also highlights the increasing acceptance of his administration’s policies and governance style among Nigeria’s key political actors.
Why This Endorsement Matters
The endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Progressive Governors Forum is a landmark event for several reasons:
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Consolidation of APC Unity: The endorsement reflects a rare moment of unity within the APC, which has sometimes been plagued by factionalism and internal conflicts. By rallying behind a single candidate early, the party positions itself strongly for the 2027 elections.
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Political Stability: Endorsements from influential governors across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones foster political stability within the ruling party and the nation. Stability is crucial for sustained governance and economic progress.
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Clear Leadership Mandate: The endorsement gives Tinubu a clear mandate within his party, potentially reducing the risk of divisive primaries or rival candidacies that could weaken the APC’s chances in the general election.
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Boost to Governance Agenda: With the backing of the Progressive Governors Forum, Tinubu’s administration can advance its policy agenda with greater confidence, knowing it has the support of regional leaders who play a crucial role in implementing federal policies at the state level.
Understanding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Leadership
To appreciate the significance of this endorsement, it’s important to understand President Tinubu’s political journey and leadership style. A seasoned politician and former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu has long been a key architect of Nigeria’s contemporary political landscape. His administration has focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and national security initiatives aimed at stabilizing and growing Nigeria’s economy.
Tinubu’s leadership is often characterized by his pragmatic approach to governance and his ability to build coalitions across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups. This capacity to unify different factions has earned him respect among party members and political observers alike.
What This Means for the 2027 Presidential Election
The 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy. With the PGF’s endorsement, President Tinubu enters the race as the frontrunner for the APC ticket, equipped with the backing of influential governors who control political machinery across the country.
This endorsement is likely to deter potential challengers within the APC, streamlining the party’s nomination process and allowing it to focus on the general election campaign. Additionally, it sends a strong message to opposition parties that the ruling party is united and confident in its leadership.
Conclusion
The Progressive Governors Forum’s formal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election marks a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics. Announced by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State at the APC summit in Abuja, this decision reflects a shared conviction among Nigeria’s progressive governors that Tinubu’s leadership is key to accelerating the nation’s prosperity.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State’s backing of the motion further strengthens this united front, signaling broad-based support across Nigeria’s diverse regions. Coupled with the vote of confidence passed by northern APC governors, this endorsement sets the stage for a focused and stable electoral process within the ruling party.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the APC’s consolidation behind President Tinubu provides the party with a strong platform to continue its governance agenda and maintain political stability. For Nigerians and political watchers alike, this development will be one to watch closely in the coming months.