Senator Kawu Sumaila has warned the newly inaugurated All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council that ignoring the economic hardship facing Nigerians could hurt the party’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.
Kawu, who represents Kano South, urged the Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari-led council to make the concerns of ordinary Nigerians a central part of its campaign strategy and show how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies would deliver tangible relief to struggling families.
The warning came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of the more than 200-member campaign council saddled with the responsibility of mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a goodwill message personally signed by him and addressed to Yari and members of the council, Kawu said the assignment required more than political mobilisation, stressing the need for the campaign to reconnect with Nigerians at the grassroots.
He urged the council to listen to the grievances of citizens and demonstrate genuine understanding of the economic and social pressures confronting households.
“We must approach our citizens with deep empathy, active listening, and genuine sensitivity to the economic hardships and socio-economic challenges currently affecting everyday families,” he said.
Kawu cautioned that any campaign strategy that failed to acknowledge the suffering of Nigerians could further widen the gap between the government and the electorate and negatively affect the electoral fortunes of Tinubu and the APC.
“Our campaign must demonstrate that we truly feel their pain, understand their daily struggles, and are sincerely committed to delivering meaningful reliefs,” he added.
The senator also charged the Yari-led council to take the campaign to the grassroots and ensure that party members, stakeholders and ordinary constituents were actively involved in the process.
He urged the campaign team to highlight the achievements and policy direction of the Tinubu administration while clearly explaining how the government’s reforms would translate into better living conditions for Nigerians.
“A disconnect between leadership and the electorate creates misperceptions and misunderstandings that ultimately undermine both the President and the party,” Kawu warned.
He further urged the campaign council to strictly comply with the Electoral Act and the Constitution, saying adherence to the law would be critical to sustaining public confidence in the campaign.
“Our campaign activities must strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution, ensuring our efforts are rooted in legitimacy and public trust,” he said.
Kawu also called on the council to deploy its political experience and communication capacity to effectively explain Tinubu’s policies, programmes and vision to voters.
“We must leverage our collective expertise to clearly convey the President’s key policies, programs, and strategic vision so the public fully recognises his commitment to national progress,” he said.
The senator identified unity within the APC as another major factor that could determine the party’s success in 2027.
He urged party leaders and stakeholders to resolve their differences, close ranks and ensure that all members were carried along in the campaign.
“Victory depends on complete solidarity. We must heal internal rifts, set aside differences, and ensure that all key stakeholders, party leaders, and members at every level are fully carried along as equal partners in this mission,” he said.
Kawu congratulated Yari and other members of the campaign council, wishing them success in what he described as a critical assignment for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
