A support group backing the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced nationwide consultations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, saying it had begun putting in place structures and operational mechanisms for a nationwide campaign in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket.
The statement was jointly signed by members of the movement’s 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.
The group said its planned formal unveiling, initially scheduled for September 1, was adjusted following further consultations and organisational considerations. A new date, it said, would be announced soon.
According to the movement, considerable progress has been recorded in establishing its philosophical, organisational and operational foundations.
It disclosed that it had developed a Mandate Document as the framework for defining its philosophy, objectives, organisational structure and strategic direction.
The group said it had also produced a National Covenant setting out its position on the 2027 election and the reasons for supporting the continuation of the Tinubu-Shettima administration.
It explained that its backing of the APC ticket was based on the belief that the 2027 election would give Nigerians an opportunity to assess the country’s progress and compare alternative visions for its future.
“The 2027 election must go beyond personal issues and propaganda. It should provide Nigerians an opportunity to assess competing visions, evaluate national progress and make informed choices about the leadership and policies best suited to advancing the country’s interests,” the group said.
The movement also disclosed that it had developed a comprehensive Programme of Action to guide nationwide consultations, stakeholder engagements, public communication, grassroots mobilisation and interaction with citizens.
It said efforts were also underway to strengthen its communication and administrative infrastructure, including its official website, email platforms, WhatsApp channels and dedicated telephone lines.
The group said consultations had commenced with stakeholders and prospective members across Nigeria and in the diaspora.
“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 that following its formal launch, it would commence a structured national mobilisation programme aimed at establishing its presence across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, local government areas and communities.
It added that information on forthcoming programmes, including dates, venues and participation arrangements, would be released through its official communication channels.
Emphasising the need for effective organisation ahead of the election, the group said political participation should go beyond public excitement.
“Elections are not won by enthusiasm alone. Organisation, communication, mobilisation, commitment and responsible civic participation remain indispensable,” it said.
It consequently urged members and supporters to strengthen their networks, engage communities and identify areas where they could contribute to the 2027 campaign.
The movement reaffirmed its objective of building what it described as a broad-based, disciplined, credible and nationally representative support platform for the Tinubu-Shettima 2027 project.
According to the group, its wider vision is to contribute to building a “stronger, more prosperous, secure, stable and forward-looking Nigeria.”
“The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria is not conceived merely as another political support platform. It is intended to provide a credible national vehicle through which Nigerians who share this vision can participate actively, responsibly and constructively in shaping the country’s political future,” it said.
The group called on Nigerians who support continuity, stability, development, national cohesion and what it described as progressive governance to join its emerging nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
