The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s record and ongoing reforms, saying it will rely on the administration’s achievements to secure his re-election in the 2027 general election.

The party stated this on Wednesday during the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, an event attended by political leaders from the APC and other parties.

Those present included Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Tinubu, who inaugurated the council, urged members to intensify political mobilisation across states, local government areas and wards while ensuring that campaign activities did not distract him from governance.

He said Nigeria required his attention and that the responsibilities of his office would continue throughout the election period.

The President also warned party leaders against complacency, saying they would be judged by their ability to deliver votes in their respective areas.

He expressed confidence in the party’s unity and pledged to fulfil his commitments under its manifesto.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, urged campaign council members to communicate the administration’s policies and achievements, particularly investments in roads, electricity, railways, ports, agriculture and digital infrastructure.

He said the campaign should explain how the government’s reforms and investments could translate into practical improvements in Nigerians’ lives, while acknowledging areas where challenges remained.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, however, used his remarks to criticise opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, over their economic proposals and comparisons between Nigeria and other countries.

Shettima questioned the funding and potential effects of Atiku’s proposed production subsidies and accused Obi of relying on statistics and economic prescriptions that did not adequately account for Nigeria’s circumstances.

Soludo expressed support for Tinubu’s re-election, saying APGA would work with the President because it shared his progressive political outlook.

Adeleke also backed the President, arguing that four years was insufficient for the administration’s reforms to deliver their full effects.

Wike pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, saying he believed the President had demonstrated the willingness to address challenges previous administrations had avoided.

The Director-General of the campaign council, former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, said the council would work collectively to secure Tinubu’s return to office.

Meanwhile, Atiku criticised the expanded campaign council, arguing that its size could not erase the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians. He also questioned the use of the Presidential Villa for a political event.

The campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde similarly criticised the council, describing it as a coalition of politicians unable to resolve the country’s economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.

The APC has scheduled the formal flag-off of Tinubu’s re-election campaign for October 24 in Kaduna State, with further activities planned in other parts of the country.