2027: Tinubu Meets Akpabio, Doguwa, Others as Presidential Campaigns Begin Today

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday held a series of closed-door meetings with senior political and government officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, hours before the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

The meetings took place ahead of Wednesday, August 19, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has designated as the commencement date for political campaigns.

Among those who visited the President was Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who arrived at the Presidential Villa around 6:12 p.m. in his official vehicle.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, was reportedly already meeting with Tinubu when Akpabio arrived.

Other senior officials were also seen at the Villa during the evening. They included the member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, who arrived at about 7:15 p.m.

Doguwa had earlier attended the National Peace Committee’s signing of the peace accord ahead of the 2027 elections in Abuja.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, was also seen arriving at the Presidential Villa shortly before Doguwa.

Oyetola’s visit came days after the Osun State governorship election, in which incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke was declared winner.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, was another senior government official sighted at the Villa. His visit also came ahead of Wednesday’s scheduled Federal Executive Council meeting.

The details of the discussions between Tinubu and the visiting officials were not disclosed, as none of those who attended the meetings addressed journalists afterward.

The series of engagements comes at a significant moment in the country’s political calendar, with parties and candidates preparing to officially begin their campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

The commencement of campaigns follows the signing of a National Peace Accord by presidential candidates, political party leaders and other stakeholders on Tuesday in Abuja.

The accord seeks to promote peaceful, issue-based campaigns and discourage violence, hate speech, misinformation and other actions capable of undermining the electoral process.