The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) plans to build its 2027 presidential campaign around the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration rather than fresh pledges or personal attacks, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Director-General of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, said Thursday.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal and traditional leaders, Senator Yari described the effort as an “issue-based” drive that will highlight the Tinubu administration’s record if the party wins another term.
“The campaign will focus on issues and what the party intends to do if given another opportunity to govern the country,” he said.
Yari, a former governor of Zamfara, cast the strategy as a response to what he described as the country’s recent trials and the durability of Nigeria’s national unity.
“Nigeria is a wonderful country,” he said, noting episodes—from the June 12 crisis onward—that had prompted outside predictions of the country’s collapse but instead had reinforced popular commitment to remain united.
He offered an effusive defense of President Tinubu, saying the president “is for Nigerians” and “loves this country,” and insisted the campaign will emphasize accomplishments already delivered rather than new promises.
The meeting with traditional rulers, Mr. Yari said, was his first formal engagement in the role and reflected the campaign council’s view that local leaders remain influential gatekeepers of public opinion.
“The support and blessings of traditional leaders remain an important pillar for the success of the APC campaign,” he said.
Governor Lawal, who organized the briefing, described Mr. Yari as a “son of the soil” and said the session was intended to secure local backing for the presidency.
He pledged that Zamfara would give the president “100 percent support” in the 2027 elections.
The APC’s announcement signals a tactical choice for a re-election effort that foregrounds governance and continuity at a moment when Nigeria faces persistent security, economic and fiscal pressures.
Political strategists will watch whether an accomplishments-first message can counter rising voter concerns about inflation, insecurity and service delivery ahead of next year’s vote.
