The race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is beginning to take shape, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s support in the North, while the campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde insists that the region and other parts of the country remain open to opposition candidates.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has projected that Tinubu could secure more than 70 per cent of northern votes in the next election. He attributed the anticipated support to infrastructure development, government appointments and programmes introduced by the administration since taking office.
Yilwatda made the prediction in Abuja on Saturday during the inauguration of the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) campaign headquarters and the formal unveiling of its northern mobilisation structure. The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other prominent APC figures.
Among the projects highlighted by the APC chairman were road construction across northern states, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, railway development, irrigation facilities, healthcare programmes and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. He argued that these initiatives provided reasons for northern voters to support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for another term.
Shettima also expressed confidence in the President’s prospects in the region but cautioned that political support should not be treated as unconditional. He said the administration must demonstrate tangible results, maintain transparency and address citizens’ concerns to sustain public confidence.
The Vice President acknowledged that Nigerians had faced difficult economic conditions, noting that the pressures experienced by traders, unemployed graduates and households struggling with everyday expenses required serious attention. He maintained that government supporters must explain the impact of ongoing reforms rather than rely solely on political slogans.
Meanwhile, the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) has challenged the APC’s confidence, declaring that Makinde, who is expected to contest under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), would defeat Tinubu in the 12 states identified by the President as key campaign destinations, as well as other parts of the country.
In a statement issued by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Nnanna Ihediwa, the organisation argued that economic hardship and dissatisfaction with the Federal Government could influence voters’ decisions in 2027. It specifically mentioned Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory as places where it expects Makinde to make significant gains.
The campaign group also criticised the administration’s economic policies and questioned its record on infrastructure, arguing that its proposed RESET NIGERIA Agenda offers an alternative approach centred on economic recovery, security, education and institutional reform. The organisation said its proposals include boosting domestic production to reduce poverty, strengthening intelligence-led security operations and expanding access to quality education.
Beyond the campaign dispute, Makinde has urged Christians to participate more actively in politics, arguing that poverty, rather than religious differences, remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. He made the remarks in Abuja after receiving a Christian Icon Award at the Christian Association of Nigeria’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The governor maintained that religious considerations should not prevent Christians from engaging in public service or contributing to national development. He drew lessons from biblical figures who accepted difficult responsibilities in pursuit of broader objectives.
With both camps presenting competing narratives about their political strength, the 2027 contest is likely to place renewed attention on economic conditions, security, infrastructure and the ability of candidates to convince voters across Nigeria’s diverse regions. However, the claims of widespread support made by both sides remain campaign positions rather than established electoral outcomes.
