APC Declares Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election ‘Non-Negotiable’, Vows Peaceful Campaigns
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing his return for a second term as “non-negotiable,” while promising to ensure peaceful and secure campaigns across the country.
The party reiterated its position on Sunday evening in Abuja during the inauguration of the national and sub-national structures of the Directorate of Security and Intelligence of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s Deputy National Secretary, Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, SAN, commended the directorate for its early preparations, noting that it had made significant progress ahead of other departments of the campaign council.
Kana emphasised the importance of discipline, organisation and coordination in political campaigns, saying political leaders had valuable lessons to learn from the military.
“We have a lot to learn from the military — the discipline, the alacrity, the organisation. Even as we organise our campaigns, regimentation is very important,” he said.
He also drew a parallel between the military’s commitment to national unity and the APC’s determination to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
“One of my favourite statements from the military is that the unity of this country is non-negotiable, and now today I heard some of our generals saying that victory in this election is non-negotiable,” Kana stated.
The APC official charged the newly inaugurated security structures to ensure comprehensive protection before, during and after campaign activities, stressing that their responsibilities would include securing venues, protecting party officials and maintaining safe access routes.
“Before we leave, you must clear the path; you must confirm to us that the venue is safe. When we are there, you must ensure that we are safe and protected. When we leave, you must ensure that the paths and roads are secure,” he said.
Kana further recalled the circumstances under which the APC assumed power in 2015, saying the party inherited a country facing significant challenges.
“Our party came in 2015 and met the country in total disarray,” he added.
Tinubu’s Return Not in Doubt — Defence Minister
The Minister of Defence and First Secretary of the directorate, General Christopher Musa, expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects, arguing that the immediate priority was to establish the security conditions necessary for the party to conduct its campaigns successfully.
“The return of Mr President is not an issue that we should even start worrying about, because, God’s willing, he is coming back. The task before us now is to provide the enabling environment for it to happen,” Musa said.
He stressed that security would remain central to the party’s campaign preparations, urging members of the directorate to work towards a peaceful political atmosphere throughout the country.
“We must do everything possible to make sure that Nigeria is safe and secure, and our campaigns are peaceful and safe, because I think that is the most critical aspect of what we do,” the minister stated.
Security Directorate Warned Against Intimidation
The Director of Intelligence and Security of the Presidential Campaign Council, Major General Sarkin Yaki Bello (retd.), who inaugurated the structures, charged members to discharge their duties within the confines of the law.
He said the directorate’s responsibilities extended beyond protecting the President and party officials to safeguarding citizens and supporting the democratic process.
“Our duty is to protect Mr President and the people, and not to threaten them, to preserve order, not to create fear, and to support a peaceful democratic process,” Bello said.
He identified Tinubu’s second-term ambition as the central objective of the directorate, urging members to recognise the importance of their assignment.
“What is at stake, gentlemen, is the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office,” he declared.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa (retd.), said the directorate must ensure that campaign activities were conducted in an orderly and secure environment.
“Without security, what you have is chaos, and chaos is not what we need at this time. And our job is to make the process safe and secure,” Famadewa said.
Campaign Operations to Begin Across 36 States
Former Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of Operations and Field Coordination of the directorate, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (retd.), announced that operational activities would commence immediately, with plans to extend the campaign security framework across the federation.
“The job is just starting. By this weekend, the flag-off will start, and we are expected to go to the 36 states,” Olonisakin said.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated officers, the directorate’s Southwest coordinator, Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun (retd.), pledged that members would approach their assignments with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
He said the officers understood that their appointments required them to demonstrate measurable performance and deliver results.
“We accept our appointments with a clear understanding that responsibility must be matched by performance, authority by accountability, and commitment by results,” Adeosun stated.
The inauguration marks a step in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the party emphasising security, organisational discipline and peaceful campaign activities as priorities in its efforts to secure Tinubu’s re-election.
