The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has charged members of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council to intensify grassroots mobilisation, promote the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and unite party structures nationwide ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Yilwatda gave the charge on Wednesday during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, describing the assignment as a collective responsibility that requires unity, discipline, strategic communication and sustained engagement with Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC national chairman urged members of the council to build the party’s campaign around the administration’s record, acknowledge prevailing challenges and present a credible vision for Nigeria’s future.
He stressed that the campaign must go beyond political slogans to explain the rationale behind government policies, communicate progress made so far and demonstrate how ongoing reforms are expected to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Tinubu’s Reforms, Infrastructure Investments Take Centre Stage
Yilwatda identified the administration’s economic reforms and investments in critical infrastructure as key areas the campaign council must highlight in its engagement with the electorate.
He listed roads, power, gas, railways, ports, agriculture and digital connectivity among the sectors where the administration’s policies and investments should be clearly communicated to Nigerians.
According to him, the campaign council has a responsibility to explain not only what the government has achieved but also the projects and programmes still in progress, as well as the work that remains to be done.
“Our responsibility is to explain what has been achieved, what is progressing and what remains to be done. We must demonstrate how these reforms and investments will translate into practical improvements in the lives of Nigerians,” Yilwatda said.
He maintained that effective communication of government policies would be crucial to helping citizens understand the administration’s economic direction, particularly the potential implications for productivity, employment, commercial activities and national development.
The APC chairman urged campaign officials to ensure that information about government programmes reaches Nigerians across different communities, with particular attention to how the policies are intended to address economic and social concerns.
APC Leaders, Governors, Legislators Told to Close Ranks
The national chairman emphasised that the success of the campaign would depend significantly on the ability of party leaders and structures at all levels to work together.
He called for stronger coordination among national party leaders, state governors, legislators, state chapters, local government executives and ward members, stressing that the campaign message must be consistent and effectively delivered across the country.
Yilwatda noted that the party’s national leadership alone could not shoulder the responsibility of securing public support for Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that all stakeholders must contribute through coordinated mobilisation and direct engagement with the electorate.
He urged members of the council to strengthen collaboration within their respective constituencies and ensure that the party’s campaign strategy is implemented from the national level down to local communities.
He also warned against complacency, stressing that confidence in the party’s political strength must be matched by adequate preparation, hard work and a willingness to earn the trust of Nigerians.
“Confidence is not complacency. It is the determination to prepare thoroughly, work together and earn the trust of the people,” he said.
Women, Youths, Persons With Disabilities Get Inclusion Emphasis
Yilwatda also called for the meaningful participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities in the campaign, describing their contributions as essential to effective party organisation and community mobilisation.
He urged the council to ensure that these groups are not merely treated as campaign supporters but are given opportunities to participate in leadership, planning and mobilisation activities.
“Our women are indispensable to party organisation and community mobilisation. Our youths must be engaged as partners in shaping Nigeria’s future, while persons with disabilities must enjoy full, accessible and inclusive participation in our democratic process,” he stated.
The APC chairman said inclusive participation would strengthen the party’s engagement with different segments of the population and broaden its reach ahead of the 2027 election.
Cost of Living, Security, Jobs Top Campaign Issues
Beyond highlighting government achievements, Yilwatda urged the campaign council to address issues that directly affect the daily lives of Nigerians.
He identified the cost of living, insecurity, unemployment, education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and access to economic opportunities as critical concerns that should feature prominently in the party’s engagement with the electorate.
He said campaign officials must be prepared to explain the administration’s policies and demonstrate how its programmes are designed to respond to these challenges.
The national chairman’s position underscores the need for the APC to connect its policy narrative with the experiences and expectations of ordinary Nigerians as the party seeks another presidential mandate for Tinubu.
He urged members of the council to communicate the government’s record with facts, provide clear explanations of its policies and outline areas where additional efforts are required.
Yilwatda Advocates Issue-Based, Peaceful Campaign
The APC chairman further called for issue-based political engagement and a peaceful campaign environment, acknowledging the legitimate role of opposition parties in Nigeria’s democratic system.
He said the ruling party should focus on presenting its record, defending its policies and persuading Nigerians through credible arguments rather than undermining the democratic process.
“The APC will present its case with confidence, defend its record with facts and trust Nigerians to make their choice through a credible democratic process,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC National Working Committee to working closely with the Presidential Campaign Council and other party structures to achieve the party’s objectives in the forthcoming election.
Yilwatda urged members to remain united, disciplined and focused, maintaining that effective communication, cooperation and sustained engagement with citizens would be central to the campaign’s success.
He concluded by restating the council’s mission to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election, calling on members to approach the assignment with a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.
“One mission, one responsibility: to work together, communicate effectively and earn the mandate of Nigerians for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” he declared.
