By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele have described the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid as a historic development, saying it reflects efforts to build a broad-based political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two lawmakers spoke during plenary as the Senate prepared to adjourn proceedings ahead of the inauguration of the campaign council.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the coalition involving leaders from different political parties could promote inclusive governance and strengthen the party’s preparations for the elections.
He said the initiative demonstrated that a broad political alliance was taking shape ahead of the 2027 presidential campaign.
“My point, Mr President, is that in this country, in the best interests of the Nigerian people, a rainbow coalition indeed is on the move and very much on course,” Bamidele said.
He noted that the campaign council included political figures affiliated with parties other than the APC, describing the arrangement as an opportunity to bring different perspectives into the campaign.
According to him, the council included Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Bamidele said Soludo and Adeleke had been designated state coordinators, while Wike would coordinate the campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.
He added that the campaign should focus on ideas and democratic values rather than political differences.
“We will proceed out of this chamber as members of the ruling party, accompanied by our colleagues, to go to the presidential campaign council.
“We look forward to a campaign that will really celebrate ideas and celebrate our democracy. I really congratulate you, Mr President,” he said.
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, representing Benue South, seconded the motion for adjournment.
In his response, Akpabio described the planned campaign council as an uncommon development in Nigeria’s democratic experience since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
He said the inclusion of political figures from different parties in the council reflected an approach to governance centred on unity and cooperation.
“This is not just an inclusive government in terms of infrastructure, revenue allocation and reforms. It is also an inclusive government in terms of unity of purpose in democracy,” Akpabio said.
He added that the composition of the council suggested that Tinubu intended to pursue a second term with an emphasis on national unity.
“What we are going to witness is evidence that his second term is going to be a unity government, just like his campaign council is a unity campaign council made up of almost all the political parties in the country,” he said.
Akpabio, however, said he would not predict the outcome of the 2027 election, while expressing confidence in the significance of the coalition.
He congratulated Tinubu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and leaders of the participating political parties.
The Senate president also welcomed the participation of Soludo, Adeleke and Wike, arguing that contributions to governance were not determined solely by party affiliation.
Referring to Soludo, a professor and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Akpabio said he expected the governor to contribute ideas that could improve the country.
“I can imagine how even a professor and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Soludo, will add his ideas to the next administration so that Nigeria will be better. This is the way Nigeria should be,” he said.
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