…Says Adeleke, Soludo, Wike’s Reported Goodwill Messages Signal Wider Political Engagement Ahead of Polls
By Joy Odor | Abuja
The race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election has entered a fresh phase of political mobilisation following the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, with the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027, Forward Nigeria, describing the development as a significant step towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a statement dated October 15, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, the movement said the inauguration had established an important framework for coordinating campaign activities, strengthening grassroots mobilisation and communicating the administration’s policies ahead of the next general election.
But beyond the formal unveiling of the campaign machinery, Forward Nigeria singled out the reported participation of political figures associated with different party platforms as a potentially significant feature of the unfolding electoral contest.
The movement cited the involvement of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who reportedly delivered goodwill messages in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid.
It described the cross-party engagement as a rare form of political cooperation that could create opportunities for dialogue among leaders whose political affiliations and interests do not always align.
The statement, however, did not provide details of any formal coalition agreement or establish that the three political figures had changed their party affiliations.
Forward Nigeria said the inauguration represented more than an organisational milestone, arguing that the success of the campaign council would depend on its ability to coordinate political activities without undermining the administration’s constitutional responsibilities.
The movement particularly welcomed Tinubu’s stated position that preparations for the 2027 election would not distract his government from governance.
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It said the commitment was important as the country approached another electoral cycle, when competing political demands could place pressure on public institutions and government priorities.
According to the Group, political mobilisation must operate alongside the continuing responsibilities of public service delivery, economic management and national development.
It urged the president and the campaign leadership to maintain that balance throughout the election season, insisting that electoral ambitions should not take precedence over the welfare of Nigerians.
The position places governance performance at the centre of the movement’s argument for Tinubu’s re-election, with the group maintaining that political support would be strengthened by the administration’s ability to communicate its policies and demonstrate measurable results.
The movement also commended Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, and other party leaders for their roles in the inauguration.
It particularly welcomed Yilwatda’s stated commitment to extending campaign coordination from the national level to state chapters, local governments and electoral wards.
Forward Nigeria described the grassroots approach as essential to effective political mobilisation, arguing that campaign structures must do more than organise rallies and public appearances.
According to the Group, state and local campaign coordinators should serve as channels for communicating government programmes, explaining policy decisions and listening to the concerns of communities across the country.
The movement said such engagement would provide the campaign council with an opportunity to connect national policies with the everyday experiences of voters.
However, it offered no numerical breakdown of the council’s membership, its state-level structures, ward coordinators or proposed mobilisation targets.
Those details would provide a clearer basis for assessing the scale and operational reach of the campaign organisation as the 2027 election approaches.
The reported goodwill messages from Adeleke, Soludo and Wike featured prominently in Forward Nigeria’s assessment of the inauguration.
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The movement argued that the presence of political leaders associated with different platforms demonstrated the potential for engagement beyond conventional party boundaries.
It said cooperation across political affiliations need not weaken the legitimacy of opposition parties or erase ideological differences.
Instead, it argued, such engagement could create room for discussions on economic development, national stability and other shared priorities.
Yet the political significance of the reported participation will depend on whether it develops into sustained cooperation or remains limited to goodwill messages at a campaign-related event.
The statement did not establish whether the participation reflected formal endorsements, negotiated political arrangements or broader commitments to Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Nevertheless, Forward Nigeria presented the development as an opportunity to promote dialogue, accommodation and compromise in a political environment that often places party loyalty above cross-party engagement.
The movement urged political leaders to preserve their differences while identifying areas of common interest that could advance Nigeria’s long-term development.
In a pointed message to opposition parties, Forward Nigeria urged rival political forces to draw lessons from what it described as Tinubu’s approach to the 2027 electoral season.
The Group argued that public confidence was more likely to endure when political promises were backed by responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address citizens’ concerns.
It criticised what it characterised as political grandstanding and the use of statistics that could not be verified, calling instead for election campaigns built around evidence, policy choices and records of performance.
The statement did not identify particular opposition figures or cite specific statistics it considered misleading.
Even so, its message reflected the movement’s attempt to frame the forthcoming election as a contest in which the governing party’s record and policy direction should be weighed against the proposals of its challengers.
Forward Nigeria also called on all political stakeholders to avoid personal attacks, respect differing opinions and ensure that public debate remained focused on issues affecting Nigerians.
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It said the 2027 contest should be conducted peacefully, with respect for democratic institutions and the electorate’s right to make an informed choice.
The movement said the campaign council had an opportunity to explain the Tinubu administration’s policies and achievements in ways that would allow voters to assess the government’s direction.
It also stressed the need for continued engagement between the president and citizens, arguing that political communication should extend beyond campaign periods and formal public appearances.
According to the group, coordinated mobilisation across states, local governments and electoral wards should provide opportunities to hear citizens’ grievances and explain government positions.
But the challenge for the campaign will be to translate political messaging into credible answers on the economic and social issues that shape voters’ decisions.
Forward Nigeria did not supply performance figures, economic indicators or independent assessments to substantiate its broader claims about the administration’s achievements.
Consequently, the effectiveness of the campaign’s proposed message will ultimately depend on the evidence presented to voters and the extent to which government policies address their concerns.
2027 contest gathers momentum
As preparations for the next general election gather pace, Forward Nigeria called on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to approach the process with responsibility and a commitment to democratic principles.
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It maintained that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic engagement, while policy debates should take precedence over personal attacks and partisan hostility.
The Group said Nigeria’s future required responsible leadership, active citizen participation, inclusive political engagement and a sustained commitment to national progress.
It also expressed confidence in the APC’s capacity to offer leadership for a more prosperous and stable country.
For Tinubu’s re-election campaign, the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council marks an organisational step.
Whether that structure can translate political alliances, grassroots coordination and claims of government performance into broad electoral support remains a question that the 2027 polls will ultimately answer.
Forward Nigeria ended its statement with a rallying call: “Forward Nigeria!”