The All Progressives Congress b has expressed absolute confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election, irrespective of whoever is appointed as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission b. According to the ruling party, Tinubu’s achievements, influence, and the party’s mobilization strength across Nigeria are more than enough to guarantee a second term for him.
The party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, stated this in an interview with The Sun, where he responded to questions regarding the upcoming expiration of the tenure of the current INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. It was noted that Yakubu’s second tenure is set to conclude before the end of the year, and discussions are already ongoing regarding the possible candidates who may succeed him.
When asked whether the APC-led administration would attempt to influence or recommend who becomes the new INEC chairman, Ajibola Basiru dismissed the idea, insisting that the ruling party had no interest in meddling in the appointment process. In his words: “How can you be asking a player to recommend a referee? We are players, and our concern is not about who the referee is but about playing the game. Whoever emerges as chairman, our focus remains the same — to ensure we deliver victory for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”
He further stressed that the responsibility of recommending a new electoral chairman does not lie with the ruling party, but with civil society organizations and the National Assembly, who by law and convention are expected to provide input in the selection process. According to him, the APC’s core duty is to focus on mobilization, awareness creation, and effective sensitization of its members and supporters nationwide to ensure victory in the coming elections.
Basiru went on to make a bold declaration that the ruling party’s structure and the influence of Tinubu are so strong that nothing could stop his reelection in 2027. He said: “Our job is clear — to mobilize, galvanize, and sensitize our members for whoever they believe in. In fact, by the time we put our machinery into action, even if the newly appointed chairman of INEC turns out to be the father of the presidential candidate of another political party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will still win hands down.”
His comments have since stirred political discussions across the country, as critics argue that such statements may fuel concerns about electoral integrity. Meanwhile, APC supporters see the remark as a sign of the party’s confidence in Tinubu’s enduring popularity and governance track record, which they believe will give him an edge over opposition candidates in the 2027 polls.