The yet-to-be declared second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to gather momentum as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), governors and National Assembly members elected on the party’s platform, unanimously adopted him as their sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They all spoke Thursday at the first APC National Summit which held at the State House Abuja.

…Tinubu’s remarks

And to President Tinubu, who graciously accepted their decision, there is nothing wrong with a one-party state in a constitutional democracy.

The president thanked the stakeholders for his endorsement and also welcomed the defectors into the APC which he described as the party of choice.

“Sweep the dust away. Thank you for your endorsements,” he said. “Welcome to the progressives, sweep them clean,” he said, adding: “There’s nothing wrong with a one-party system.”

The president also reaffirmed his partnership with Vice President Kashim Shettima, referring to him as part of his team.

On the economy, he said “our economic reforms are working. There’s nothing good that comes easy.”

“Senate President, Speaker, where are the tax bills? I hope they are on their way,” he said.

The president also called on Nigerians to remain resilient, promising to listen to their concerns.

“We have the opportunity to make this continent a great one, not just Nigeria,” he said, while cautioning that indiscipline, corruption and abuse of power remain significant barriers.

He pledged that Nigeria’s economic revival is underway and that the country would be industrialised within the next few years.

“We have the mission, we have the vision,” he declared, adding that while he cannot offer political positions to everyone, he urged patience and unity within the party.

..Ganduje sets tone of event

Setting the tone at the event, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje told the gathering that it’s only the party that has power to nominate the candidate.

“As the only body which (sic) has the power to field any candidate, I hereby affirm the various endorsements and declare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of APC in 2027,” he said.

While canvassing for support for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu-led administration, Ganduje said the party cannot go into the 2027 poll divided, unprepared, or reactive.

“Our goal must not only be to win elections, but to lead with purpose, to earn the trust of Nigerians continuously, and to inspire belief in governance again,” he said.

Ganduje, who eulogised the developmental strides recorded under the Tinubu-led administration, noted that he, alongside the National Working Committee (NWC) have gradually transformed the APC from an electoral force into a governing institution.