The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun an extensive grassroots mobilisation and membership expansion drive as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. At the party’s 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu called for strategic efforts to grow the APC’s support base nationwide. Emphasising the need for inclusivity, Tinubu stated that the party must continue to welcome new members and strengthen its presence across the federation. He announced that a special committee, comprising senior party officials and National Working Committee members, would be formed to coordinate mass registration and ensure a seamless process in all states.
As part of its re-election strategy, the APC revealed that 11 state chapters have pledged to deliver a combined total of 15 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 election. In Akwa Ibom, the party has set a target of 3.5 million votes, significantly higher than the President’s 2023 performance in the state. The Edo State chapter, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has promised 2.5 million votes, with party officials citing mass defections from opposition parties and a growing grassroots base. In Benue, the APC aims to register five million new members and deliver at least two million votes for Tinubu, highlighting a shift in public sentiment since the last election cycle.
In the South-West, the APC chapters in Oyo and Ekiti have committed to a combined total of 1.2 million votes. Party leaders in these states believe that the increased support stems from Tinubu’s policy reforms and renewed party cohesion at the state level. Meanwhile, Ebonyi State has launched an online registration portal to ease the onboarding of both new and returning members. The APC chairman in the state, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, disclosed during a stakeholders’ meeting that the digital platform will be rolled out to all ward chairmen, making it easier for residents to register from the comfort of their homes.
President Tinubu noted that the upcoming congresses in December would be structured to accommodate the influx of new members, reinforcing the party’s open-door policy. He described the APC as a growing force, encouraging Nigerians to join and participate in shaping the country’s future. “It’s not a bad idea to abandon a sinking ship and avoid a collision of confusion,” Tinubu said, alluding to the defection of members from opposition parties.
The APC’s renewed push comes amid broader political calculations and growing public interest in the next presidential election. While the party is strengthening its internal structures and preparing for large-scale registration, critics have raised concerns about potential political manipulation, especially with recent controversies surrounding appointments within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Despite these challenges, the APC leadership remains focused on building momentum, expanding its voter base, and solidifying President Tinubu’s chances of a second term.
