The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the 2027 general election will serve as a referendum on the reforms and bold leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking to party stakeholders, Yilwatda said the next electoral contest would go beyond traditional party rivalry. Instead, he argued, Nigerians would be asked to evaluate the direction, impact, and sustainability of the current administration’s reform agenda. According to him, the APC is prepared to stand on the record of the Tinubu government and present its achievements to voters across the country.
Framing 2027 as a Policy Referendum
Yilwatda stressed that President Tinubu leadership has been defined by what he described as bold and necessary reforms. He noted that economic restructuring measures, fiscal adjustments, and governance reforms have aimed at stabilising the nation’s finances and repositioning key sectors for long-term growth.
While acknowledging that such reforms often generate debate and short-term discomfort, the APC chairman maintained that they are designed to create a more resilient and self-sustaining economy. Therefore, he said, the 2027 elections will provide Nigerians with the opportunity to either endorse or reject the reform trajectory.
According to him, framing the election as a referendum reflects the party’s confidence in its policy direction. He emphasized that leadership requires difficult decisions, especially when addressing structural challenges.
Party Unity and Grassroots Mobilisation
Beyond policy, Yilwatda called for unity within the APC. He urged party members to remain disciplined and committed as political activities gradually intensify. Internal cohesion, he said, will be critical in ensuring a coordinated campaign message nationwide.
He also highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilisation. According to him, the strength of the APC lies in its nationwide structure, spanning states, local government areas, and wards. As a result, he expressed confidence that the party can effectively communicate its achievements to voters at the community level.
Furthermore, he encouraged party leaders at all levels to engage directly with citizens. Explaining reforms in relatable terms, he said, would help counter misinformation and strengthen public understanding.
Implications for the Political Landscape
The declaration signals an early campaign strategy by the ruling party. By centering the 2027 election on President Tinubu’s leadership and reforms, the APC appears determined to make governance performance the core of its campaign narrative.
Political observers note that such positioning could shape national discourse in the coming months. If the election is widely framed as a verdict on reform policies, debates may increasingly focus on economic outcomes, infrastructure development, fiscal discipline, and institutional restructuring.
At the same time, opposition parties are expected to present alternative perspectives on the administration’s record. Consequently, the run-up to 2027 may feature intensified policy debates and heightened political engagement across the country.
For now, Yilwatda’s statement underscores the APC’s readiness to defend its stewardship. By casting the election as a referendum, the party signals confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the direction of his administration’s reform agenda.
As preparations gather pace, both supporters and critics will likely scrutinize the government’s performance. Ultimately, the electorate will determine whether the reforms cited by the APC chairman resonate strongly enough to shape the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
