Earlier, 22 governors on the platform of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, passed a vote of confidence on the President, particularly endorsing him for the coming 2027 presidential election.
The chairman of the PGF and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who spoke on behalf of all the Progressives Governors present at the APC National Summit yesterday, also moved a motion for the adoption of Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate in 2027.
Uzodimma in a calculated move, took many APC stalwarts in surprise by putting the motion to vote before the participants at the National Summit, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio; members of the National Assembly, serving and former governors and APC members from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, who through a voice vote, adopted President Tinubu for a second term in office.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas described Tinubu’s economic reforms as transformative.
He said, “Despite the initial pain, reforms have boosted public revenues, increased foreign reserves, and restored investor confidence. GDP growth is at its highest since 2015.”
Reactions from groups such as the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Ijaw National Congress, INC, and the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, however, countered the endorsement of the President by 22 APC governors.
The National President of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Dr Bitrus Pogu, speaking on the endorsement, said it was done for selfish gains.
Dr. Pogu, who was reacting to the political development, said the decision of the governors was nothing but sycophancy and not based on the reality on ground as it affects every sector of the country.
He said, “Nigeria is full of sycophancy. Yes, there are some areas or the Ministers of the President who have performed, like Wike of the FCT, like the Minister of Works who is changing the way we are doing roads and doing so many things quietly.
“But with regards to the economy, we are still in bad shape. The issue of insecurity is escalating across the country.
“For them to just say yes they endorse him, is because they feel he is a game changer and he can make things happen when others cannot. So, it is for their selfish gains rather than the reality on the ground. That is the truth.”
The President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Professor Benjamin Okaba, expressed worry over the endorsement. He said the country is gradually sliding towards a one-party democracy.
Okaba said, “This should not be a surprise to any Nigerian or anyone else conversant with the political dynamics of this country. In fact, after the gale of defections to the ruling party, this move is seen as the next stage towards a one-party democracy in Nigeria. We cannot make further comments on this because of our apolitical nature.”
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said it is not surprised about the political endorsement of Tinubu by his parry governors, adding that it was expected.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Justice Faloye, said, “What do we expect? APC governors will endorse an APC President. What they should all focus on is delivery of benefits of democracy and good governance to the people?”
The Conference of United Political Parties, CUPP, yesterday, described the endorsement as evidence that all is not well within the APC. Explicitly stating it does not reflect the will of Nigerians.
Reacting to the APC governors endorsement of President Tinubu, the National Spokesperson of the CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, said, “This unprecedented move, just two years into President Tinubu’s term, signals deep unease within the APC camp amid widespread public dissatisfaction with the harsh economic realities facing the nation.
“The adoption of Tinubu does not reflect the will of the Nigerian people, whose votes will ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
“This decision by APC elected officials appears to stem from fear of rejection by the electorate, who are grappling with severe economic challenges.
“Nigerians across the country view this move as a troubling indication of the APC’s disconnection from the masses and an attempt to undermine the demo-cratic process.
“The Nigerian electorate will not be silenced, and we will ensure that our voices are heard through the power of our votes.
“The 2027 elections will be a defining moment for our nation, and we will not allow the will of the people to be subverted.”
