President Bola Tinubu has effectively set the stage for his 2027 re-election bid, following the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential expression of interest and nomination forms in Abuja.
The forms, which cost a combined ₦100 million, were obtained on his behalf by supporters and political groups drawn from across the country.
Member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency and is a key figure in the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), stood in for the president during the process. The APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, formally presented the documents to him.
Faleke also picked up nomination forms for other aspirants, including Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who has emerged as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate for Lagos in 2027, Senator Idiat Adebule of Lagos West, and himself as he seeks re-election to the House of Representatives.
Speaking with journalists, Faleke dismissed claims that a single individual financed Tinubu’s form, explaining that the funds were collectively raised by more than 1,000 contributors from Lagos and other parts of the country.
According to him, the gesture reflects broad-based support for the president. He expressed confidence that Tinubu would not only contest but also secure victory in the next presidential election.
On Hamzat’s candidacy, Faleke described him as the “incoming governor of Lagos,” noting that he jointly collected the form alongside an associate.
He added that the large number of contributors made it impractical for everyone to be physically present, hence the use of representatives.
Meanwhile, Faleke said he was awaiting confirmation of payment to collect the nomination form for Senator Adebule, whom he described as the incumbent representative of Lagos West Senatorial District.
Party Reacts to Allegations
The development comes amid accusations that the APC is restricting access to nomination forms, allegedly favouring aspirants endorsed by state governors.
However, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, rejected the claims, insisting that the process remains open and accessible to all qualified party members.
Other Aspirants Step Forward
At the same venue, Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South, obtained a governorship nomination form to contest the Bauchi State governorship election in 2027. He described himself as the first aspirant to formally do so and urged other interested candidates to participate in the process.
Political Moves in Kogi
Elsewhere, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo convened a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at forging consensus among aspirants ahead of the elections.
The meeting follows increased political activity in Kogi Central Senatorial District, where figures such as Hon. M.I. Onimisi and Hon. Muhammed Ozigi Tijani have begun mobilising support.
As of the time of reporting, discussions ended without a definitive agreement, with differing positions still evident among stakeholders.
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