The 2027 presidential battle is gathering momentum as the National Movement for Tinubu–Shettima 2027, otherwise known as Forward Nigeria, begins plans to build a nationwide political 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, political organisation and grassroots mobilisation across states, local government areas and communities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The movement said its mission was to build a formidable national structure behind 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 the groundwork for the mobilisation drive had already been substantially completed.
The group had initially planned to formally unveil the movement on September 1, but said additional consultations and organisational considerations had necessitated a slight adjustment.
It said a new date for the formal unveiling would be announced soon.
Despite the delay, the movement said its Mandate Document, National Covenant and Programme of Action were already in place as the framework for its activities.
The National Covenant outlines the group’s justification for retaining Tinubu and Shettima beyond 2027, with the movement saying the election would be a major choice for Nigerians on economic transformation, national security, political stability and sustainable development.
The group also called for issue-based campaigns, saying the 2027 election should not be reduced to personality clashes, propaganda and political attacks.
“The 2027 election must go beyond personal issues and propaganda,” it said, urging Nigerians to examine competing visions and assess the country’s progress before deciding who should lead it.
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 strengthen its communication network through an official website, email platforms, WhatsApp channels and dedicated telephone lines.
According to the group, consultations with members and stakeholders across Nigeria and the diaspora are already ongoing.
It said supporters were being assessed based on their commitment, competence and areas in which they could contribute to the movement.
“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 stated.
The movement said the next phase would involve deploying a structured national mobilisation programme capable of establishing its presence in states, local governments and communities across the country.
It stressed that political enthusiasm alone would not guarantee electoral victory, urging supporters to build strong networks and deepen engagement at the grassroots.
“Elections are not won by enthusiasm alone,” the group declared, identifying organisation, communication, mobilisation, commitment and responsible civic participation as key to winning the 2027 contest.
Supporters were also urged to expand their networks, strengthen community engagement and identify specific roles they could play in the emerging political structure.
The movement said its ultimate objective was to establish a “broad-based, disciplined, credible and nationally representative” platform capable of sustaining the Tinubu-Shettima 2027 project.
It rejected the description of itself as merely another support group, presenting Forward Nigeria as a national platform for Nigerians seeking to participate actively in shaping the country’s political future.
With political realignments ahead of 2027 gathering pace, the movement’s announcement signals an early effort by pro-Tinubu forces to build a grassroots electoral machine ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential election.
The group urged Nigerians who support continuity, stability, development, national cohesion and progressive governance to join its mobilisation drive.
With the 2027 race gradually moving from political speculation to grassroots organisation, Forward Nigeria has made its position clear: it is mobilising nationwide for the re-election of Tinubu and Shettima.
