Politics
Ganduje warns Northern leaders against 2027 presidential ambition
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has cautioned Northern leaders against vying for the presidency in 2027, emphasizing that the position remains with President Bola Tinubu from the Southern part of the country.
According to him, after Tinubu’s second term, it will be the North’s turn to produce a president.
Dr. Ganduje issued this warning at the APC National Secretariat while receiving members of the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre (PBAT Media Centre), and other groups actively promoting Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“When a leader from the northern part of this country was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president in our party should come from the South.
“And luckily enough, we worked very hard with the cooperation of Nigerians. Our president has come from the South and is going to, Inshallah, go for a second term in 2027. And then after that, it will be the North’s turn.
“I believe we are on the right course, and we encourage you to continue working on that. We will study your documents and see areas of cooperation. Thank you, and God bless.”
Ganduje commended the youth organizations for their dedication to the party’s agenda.
“There is no doubt we are blessed with the youth forum this morning. First, we were visited by the Tinubu Young Generation Forum, which is very active in promoting the renewed hope agenda of our president and party. Now, we are hosting another youth forum, the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum.
“I have already assessed you. This is an active and focused youth forum because I’m highly impressed with the data you presented. This shows that you are not beating about the bush. You know precisely where you are going, you have articulated your agenda, and you have gathered useful election data. I’m highly impressed.
“So, APC is ready to provide you with all the assistance that you need.
I have even seen that you are assisting the government in public enlightenment regarding the tax reform agenda. Initially, the tax reform was misunderstood, but over time, public engagement has improved understanding.
“People now see the purpose of the tax reform. Even members of the National Assembly are now fully conversant with the policy and ready to support it. So we thank you.
“Support organizations like yours are crucial in ensuring public enlightenment and inclusiveness in governance. We have seen your plans to mobilize voters for the 2027 election, which is very encouraging. I congratulate you on this.”
The APC chairman reiterated that President Tinubu is a leader for all Nigerians, not just one region.
“Our president is for the North, the South, and all six geopolitical zones. We have received support groups from every region, and we are pleased that our party believes in zoning.
“We are grateful that you found it important to pay this courtesy visit and re-present yourselves. You previously introduced yourselves when I was appointed as one of the patrons of this great organization.
“During the electioneering campaign, we had thousands of support groups. However, only a few have remained consistent, increasing their tempo even after the elections. Now, they have developed new blueprints to sustain their activities.
“As young people working with the youth, men, and women, your role is crucial. We are highly impressed with your activities, and we believe this is how it should be.
“The Young Generation Forum, I assure you, is on the right path. The way you are progressing, you are creating a niche for yourselves and establishing a national identity.”
Ganduje praised President Tinubu’s leadership and reforms, describing them as necessary for national development.
“Our president is doing very well. He is a reformer, a visionary leader, and he is focused. We are happy with his reforms because they are absolutely necessary for this country’s socio-economic development.
“Many things went wrong over a long period, and it requires ‘surgery’ to fix them. However, we are beginning to see positive outcomes, especially in the economic sector. We believe these reforms will continue to yield results, ensuring that Tinubu’s legacy and renewed hope agenda are fulfilled.
“We also appreciate your congratulatory message regarding my appointment as Chairman of FAN. I didn’t expect that you were even aware of it. We are grateful and assure you of our continued support in all your activities.”
Ganduje also emphasized that the APC is not just an election-focused party but an institution committed to active governance and public engagement.
“FEC is not a business-as-usual affair. We aim to remain active throughout the year, not just during elections. Our branches are working actively.
“Even today, we are meeting with the chairmen of our state branches to assure them of our participation in their programs. We want to keep party activities alive at all levels.
“Additionally, we have established the Progressive Institute to educate our members on our constitution, manifesto, and programs. The institute will also provide policy recommendations for the government.
“As we said, this is not business as usual. We are committed to making our political party an institution—one responsible for membership registration, recruitment for elected and appointed offices, and assisting the government in achieving its manifesto.
“The activities of the Young Generation Forum add color to our party’s work, and we appreciate your dedication.”
