The All Progressives Congress (APC) is actively building support. The party aims to secure crucial bloc votes. These votes are for President Bola Tinubu. The target regions are the South and North-Central. This strategy is for the upcoming 2027 presidential election.

Several groups have voiced concerns. They accuse President Tinubu of marginalising certain regions. This includes political appointments and project distribution. They also point to efforts to tackle insecurity.

Similar concerns have led to political mobilisation. Figures like Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor, are involved. Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Justice, is another key person. Salihu Lukman, ex-APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), also participates. These individuals, loyal to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, are mobilising northerners. Their actions are against President Tinubu.

However, insiders from the APC secretariat have spoken out. They revealed the rationale behind this strategy. The move to secure votes for Tinubu began after intelligence reports. These reports highlighted potential threats from the core North. They also noted the rise of an African Democratic Party-led opposition coalition.

A party chieftain identified key strategists. They include Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff. Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, is also involved. Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary, plays a role. James Faleke, lawmaker for Ikeja Federal Constituency, completes the team. These individuals are seen as the masterminds.

The Southern Bloc Vote Strategy

An anonymous APC official also commented. Speaking to sources, they detailed the party’s game plan. The ruling party aims to secure all Southern states. This is to ensure Tinubu’s victory in 2027.

The source attributed recent PDP defections in the South to this countermeasure. They stated that “everything was in place” for the APC. The party expects to win the entire region.

“The motive behind this move is clear,” the APC official explained. “No opposition party should win any state in the South. This guards against our 2023 experience.”

“The team has already delivered the South to the President successfully. We see nothing stopping us from winning all southern states. Apart from Abia and Oyo, all other Southern states are now aligned with the APC.”

The official continued: “The Governor of Osun State declared support for Asiwaju (the President). He also showed willingness to join the APC. Once we secure the targeted bloc votes in the South, victory is 50 percent assured.”

Focus on North-Central States

Another senior APC official highlighted further plans. The party has made strategic moves in recent months. Their aim is to reclaim North-Central states. These were lost before the 2027 presidential election.

The source elaborated: “The North-Central is crucial in our plan. It is intended to be the ‘final straw’ for our opponents. I know the team has commissioned individuals in that region. Their task is to ensure President Tinubu secures bloc votes there.”

“Securing the South and North-Central is key,” the official emphasized. “This will neutralise votes from the North-East and North-West. Then we will win the election. Remember, the Vice President is from Borno. Efforts are also underway to secure significant votes from Kaduna State. The team is dedicated to achieving these plans.”