President Bola Tinubu has received a major boost ahead of the 2027 general election as political leaders from the North East zone unanimously endorsed his re-election bid and pledged to deliver overwhelming votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement came when governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, elder politicians and other stakeholders from the six northeast states paid a thank-you visit to the President at the State House, Abuja, following his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The delegation was led by Borno State governor and chairman of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, Prof. Babagana Zulum, alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Zulum said the President’s decision to retain Shettima reflected confidence in the Northeast and recognition of loyalty, competence and commitment to service.
He said the move had further strengthened the region’s confidence in the Tinubu administration, noting that although the APC’s zoning arrangement gave the President the discretion to choose a running mate from any of the three northern geopolitical zones, he opted to retain Shettima.
Zulum also commended leaders from the Northwest and North-Central for supporting the decision, describing it as a demonstration of unity within the ruling party.
The Borno governor lauded the Federal Government’s interventions in the Northeast, citing the ongoing construction of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway, investments in agriculture, education, youth empowerment and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons as evidence of the administration’s commitment to rebuilding the region.
He assured the President that the Northeast would mobilise massive grassroots support for the APC in the next general election.
“On behalf of the governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, party leaders, women, youths and our teeming supporters, I assure Your Excellency that the Northeast remains solidly behind your administration.
“We will continue to support your policies and programmes and mobilise our people at the grassroots to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“By the grace of God, come 2027, the Northeast will massively deliver your presidential ticket and all APC candidates at every level,” Zulum pledged.
Earlier, Kingibe said the delegation consisted of respected leaders whose influence extended beyond partisan politics and who remained trusted voices across the region.
