President Bola Tinubu has formally set his 2027 re-election bid in motion with the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja.
The forms, valued at a combined ₦100 million, were paid for on his behalf by loyalists and support groups drawn from across the country.
The president was represented at the event by James Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is a leading figure in the Tinubu Support Group (TSG).
The APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, presented the forms to Faleke.
At the same event, Faleke also obtained nomination forms for other aspirants, including Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, who is the APC’s consensus governorship candidate for Lagos in 2027; incumbent Senator Idiat Adebule of Lagos West; and himself, as he seeks re-election into the House of Representatives.
Speaking to journalists, Faleke dismissed claims that a single individual funded the president’s nomination form, explaining that the money was contributed by over 1,000 supporters from Lagos and other parts of the country.
“There is no one particular person that has done this. It is on behalf of all Nigerians. Just as we did pre-2023 election, I was also privileged to buy the form with some leaders. Here again, I am privileged to buy the form on behalf of all Nigerians, for our president, for our performing president,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s chances in the next election, adding, “By the grace of God, he will contest and he will win the election.”
On Hamzat’s governorship ambition, Faleke stated, “I am also privileged, with my friend here, Honourable Ajala, to pick the forms for the incoming governor of Lagos, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.”
He further explained that the large number of contributors made it impractical for all to be present physically.
“Those of us who contributed money to buy this form were more than 1,000 in Lagos. It is not just one person. All of us cannot come here and pick the form. Only representatives are sent, and I am lucky to be one of those sent,” he added.
Faleke also disclosed that he was awaiting the receipt to collect the form for Senator Adebule, representing his Lagos West Senatorial District.
Meanwhile, the APC has denied allegations that it is selectively selling nomination forms or restricting access to aspirants without the backing of state governors.
The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, described the claims as false.
“Nomination forms for all aspirants seeking offices under the APC are open. Nomination forms are open for all members of the party contesting elections,” he said.
In a related development, Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South, also purchased a governorship nomination form to contest the Bauchi State governorship seat in 2027.
Buba, who said he was the first aspirant to formally obtain the form, expressed optimism about defeating the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state.
“I thank God for allowing us to witness another cycle of elections. I am physically present to obtain my nomination forms, and I am also calling on Nigerians or those aspiring to contest various positions being advertised by the party that they should come,” he said.
Elsewhere, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, convened a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at reaching a consensus on elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting comes amid intensified political activities in Kogi Central Senatorial District, where aspirants such as Hon. M.I. Onimisi and Hon. Muhammed Ozigi Tijani have begun consultations.
As of the time of filing this report, no clear resolution had emerged from the meeting, with differing opinions reportedly expressed among stakeholders.
Elijah Adeyemi
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