The battle for the 2027 presidential election has entered a new phase as the National Movement for Tinubu–Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria begins moves to build a nationwide political mobilisation structure for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The pro-Tinubu movement yesterday announced plans for nationwide consultations, grassroots mobilisation and political organisation across states, local government areas and communities ahead of the election.
The movement said its objective was to build a formidable national structure to support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Interim National Coordinating Committee, led by Professor Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, National Coordinator; Dr Bassey Rekpene, National Coordinating Secretary; and Ardo Zubairu, National Media Coordinator, said preparations for the political mobilisation were already substantially underway.
The group had initially planned to unveil the movement formally on September 1 but said additional consultations and organisational considerations necessitated a slight adjustment.
It said a new date for the unveiling would be announced shortly.
Despite the postponement, the movement said its Mandate Document, National Covenant and Programme of Action had already been developed to provide the framework for its political activities.
According to the group, the National Covenant outlines its reasons for supporting the continued leadership of Tinubu and Shettima beyond 2027.
It said the 2027 election should focus on issues including economic transformation, national security, political stability and sustainable development rather than personalities and political attacks.
“The 2027 election must go beyond personal issues and propaganda,” the movement said, urging Nigerians to assess the competing visions and performance of political actors before deciding whom to support.
The movement said its Programme of Action would focus on stakeholder engagement, public communication, grassroots mobilisation and direct interaction with citizens.
It also disclosed plans to expand its communication network through an official website, email platforms, WhatsApp channels and dedicated telephone lines.
The group said consultations with members and stakeholders across Nigeria and the diaspora were already ongoing, with prospective participants being assessed based on commitment, competence and areas of responsibility.
“We are engaging members nationwide and beyond to establish their level of commitment, identify areas of competence and interest, and determine the responsibilities they are prepared to undertake. The response has been encouraging,” it said.
The movement said the next phase would involve deploying a structured national mobilisation programme across states, local government areas and communities.
It stressed that political enthusiasm alone would not guarantee electoral victory, urging supporters to build networks and strengthen community-level engagement.
“Elections are not won by enthusiasm alone,” the movement declared, listing organisation, communication, mobilisation, commitment and responsible civic participation as key elements of its strategy.
Supporters were consequently encouraged to expand their networks, deepen engagement within their communities and identify roles they could play in the emerging structure.
The group said its ultimate goal was to build a “broad-based, disciplined, credible and nationally representative” platform capable of sustaining the Tinubu-Shettima 2027 campaign.
It also rejected the description of the organisation as merely another support group, describing it instead as a national platform for Nigerians who want to participate actively in shaping the country’s political future.
With political realignments ahead of 2027 gathering momentum, the emergence of the movement adds another layer to the growing mobilisation of forces around the presidential contest.
The group urged Nigerians who support continuity, stability, development, national cohesion and progressive governance to join its political mobilisation.
It said it was prepared to take the Tinubu-Shettima campaign beyond Abuja and establish a presence across the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
