2027 polls: 685 APC LG chairmen declare support for Tinubu, promise mobilisation

The Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum (PLGCF) has come out to say that it is ready to organize a nation-wide mobilization drive aimed at ensuring the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 general elections.

The forum, which has been made up of around 685 elected chairmen in local governments across 31 APC-controlled states, has said the victory of APC in 2027 will hinge on how strong its grassroots are.

The statement was issued on Wednesday during the courtesy call made by PLGCF executive members to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the APC’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Jibrin, who chairs both the forum and Chanchaga Local Government Area in Niger State, noted that local government chairmen are the closest government officials to the citizens and know them well.

“We are the closest tier of government to the people. We understand the grassroots and possess firsthand intelligence about our communities.

“The success of the APC will be anchored on effective grassroots mobilisation, and that is why we have come to declare our total support for President Tinubu and his administration,” Jibrin said.

The former Niger State Commissioner for Health commended Tinubu for promoting local government administration and autonomy across the country.

“The President believes that when local governments are empowered, democracy dividends naturally reach ordinary Nigerians.

“We appreciate this commitment and have resolved to reciprocate it by mobilising massive support for his re-election,” he added.

Jibrin disclosed that the forum had established a National Working Committee to coordinate mobilisation efforts nationwide, adding that a formal endorsement rally would be held during its national inauguration.

He also appealed to the APC leadership to strengthen collaboration between the forum and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF). Campaigns& Elections

The forum’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Hon. Rawlings Dagidi, said local government councils are now better positioned to deliver infrastructure following reforms introduced under the current administration.

“We are prepared to return to our various councils and mobilise not only council chairmen, but also councillors, supervisors and the entire party structure at the ward level.

“We are ready to support party activities and strengthen the APC across every community in Nigeria,” he said.

Responding, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described the council chairmen as the party’s “greatest political assets” and key to its electoral success.

“You are nearer to the people than anyone else. You understand your communities and know what the people need.

“You are the strongest pillars we have to win elections,” Yilwatda said.

He urged all elected office holders to take responsibility for political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If you hold a political office, you cannot say you are not a politician. If you are unwilling to mobilise people and win votes, then you should not accept political appointments,” he stated. Politics

Yilwatda also commended APC council chairmen for executing projects such as schools, primary healthcare centres, roads and water schemes, stressing that effective local governance remains vital to reducing multidimensional poverty.

He assured the delegation that the party’s national leadership would facilitate closer collaboration with the Progressive Governors’ Forum and brief President Tinubu on the forum’s mobilisation initiative.

The visit concluded with the presentation of branded campaign materials to the APC leadership, while the forum formally named Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as its National Patron.