APC Endorses Tinubu for 2027 at State House, Faces Backlash Over Partisan Use
posted 22nd May 2025
APC Endorses Tinubu for 2027 at State House, Faces Backlash Over Partisan Use
Abuja, Nigeria – On Thursday, governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, endorsing him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The motion, moved by the chairman of the APC Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, was met with resounding support from thousands of party faithful gathered at a national summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The summit, themed ‘Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far’, was convened to discuss the APC’s achievements and future plans. However, the choice of the State House as the venue for this overtly partisan event has ignited widespread criticism, with many questioning whether the use of a state institution for party affairs constitutes an abuse of power.
The endorsement of President Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023 following a fiercely contested election, signals the APC’s intent to consolidate its grip on power ahead of the next general election. The event, attended by party stalwarts, governors, and supporters, was a clear demonstration of unity within the APC, which has faced internal leadership crises in recent years.
Governor Uzodimma, in moving the motion, praised Tinubu’s leadership, citing his administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges. Governor Sani echoed these sentiments, urging party members to rally behind Tinubu to ensure continuity in 2027. The enthusiastic response from attendees underscored Tinubu’s strong backing within the party, despite ongoing public discontent over economic hardships.
While the summit aimed to project unity and strength, the decision to host it at the Presidential Villa has drawn sharp criticism. The State House, funded by public resources, is traditionally reserved for official government functions, not partisan activities. Critics argue that using such a venue for an APC summit blurs the line between state and party, raising concerns about the misuse of public institutions.
Posts on X have highlighted public outrage, with some Nigerians condemning the move as a violation of democratic norms. One user described it as “a flagrant abuse of power,” arguing that the seat of government should remain neutral and not be used to advance the interests of any political party.
This is not the first time the APC has faced such accusations. The use of the Presidential Villa for party-related activities, including caucus meetings, has previously sparked debate. Critics point out that such actions risk eroding public trust in state institutions, particularly in a country with a history of political polarisation.
The use of the State House for the APC summit raises significant ethical and legal questions. The Presidential Villa, as a symbol of national governance, is expected to serve all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation. By hosting a party summit there, the APC risks accusations of appropriating public resources for partisan gain.
Political analysts argue that this move could set a dangerous precedent. “The State House is not a party secretariat,” said Dr. Chidi Okeke, a political commentator based in Abuja. “Using it for APC’s political activities undermines the impartiality of the presidency and fuels perceptions of institutional bias.”
However, APC supporters defend the decision, noting that the summit was a national event focused on evaluating the government’s progress. They argue that the Presidential Villa, as the seat of power, is an appropriate venue for such discussions, especially given the attendance of governors and other high-ranking officials.
The APC, formed in 2013 through a merger of major opposition parties, has been no stranger to controversy. Its rise to power in 2015 marked a historic shift in Nigerian politics, but the party has faced criticism for internal wrangling and governance challenges. The use of state resources for party activities could further damage its public image, particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic difficulties.
As the 2027 election looms, the APC’s actions will likely remain under scrutiny. While the endorsement of Tinubu strengthens his position within the party, the controversy surrounding the summit’s venue underscores the delicate balance between governance and partisanship in Nigeria’s democracy.
