The Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party's candidate for the 2027 presidential election, while applauding the ruling party's expanding political influence across the country.
The endorsement was part of resolutions reached at the inaugural meeting of the forum held on Wednesday in Abuja, where APC chairmen from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) met to deliberate on party affairs and national issues.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and Lagos State APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said the gathering marked the first official meeting of the forum since the emergence of its current leadership.
Ojelabi said the forum unanimously congratulated President Tinubu on emerging as the APC's presidential candidate for the 2027 general election and pledged its full support for his re-election bid.
He noted that the chairmen also expressed sympathy with victims of insecurity and families affected by violent attacks in parts of the country, while commending President Tinubu and security agencies for ongoing efforts to address the nation's security challenges.
The forum further praised the National Chairman of the APC and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for what it described as the successful and peaceful conduct of the party's primaries across the country.
It also congratulated candidates who emerged victorious in the governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primaries, urging them to work towards securing electoral victories for the party in future elections.
Reaffirming support for the Progressive Governors Forum, the APC state chairmen commended governors elected on the platform of the party for their commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and their contributions to strengthening the APC.
"The forum critically examined the role our governors are playing in supporting the administration and strengthening the party that provided the platform for their emergence," Ojelabi said.
The chairmen also reaffirmed confidence in the leadership of the forum under Ojelabi, declaring their recognition and support for the current executive committee.
Highlighting what they described as the party's increasing acceptance among Nigerians, the forum noted that the APC currently controls 32 states and continues to record gains in the National Assembly.
According to the chairmen, the development reflects the growing confidence of Nigerians in the APC and its leadership.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the forum urged eligible Nigerians who have yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
They stressed that possession of a PVC remains the only means through which citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote and participate in the democratic process.
The forum pledged to mobilise party structures nationwide to encourage voter registration and greater participation in future elections.
The meeting concluded with a commitment by the APC state chairmen to continue working towards the growth, unity and electoral success of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
