Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has vowed to break the opposition’s longstanding dominance of the territory in presidential elections.
The FCT APC chairman, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, stated this yesterday in Abuja while speaking at the public presentation of the FCT leadership of the Yari 774 Initiative for Asiwaju.
Yamawo acknowledged that opposition parties had historically won the FCT during presidential elections but said the APC was determined to change the trend in 2027.
“Of a truth, the opposition has always succeeded in winning the FCT in presidential elections against the ruling party. However, the story will change in 2027,” he said.
He described the appointment of Hon. Micah Jiba as Coordinator of the Yari 774 Initiative for Asiwaju in the FCT as strategic, citing his grassroots experience as a former chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and former member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
“With his experience, he will ensure that FCT residents vote massively for Tinubu,” Yamawo said.
Speaking earlier, the chairman and Convener of the Yari 774 Initiative for Asiwaju, Chief Ibrahim Emokpaire, said the public presentation of Jiba was aimed at eliminating confusion and establishing a clear leadership and communication structure for the initiative in the FCT.
“Let me state clearly today that the FCT Chapter of YARI 774 Initiative for Asiwaju is under the leadership of no other person than Hon. Micah Jiba, a tested and trusted grassroots politician whose antecedents in the region are well known,” Emokpaire said.
He explained that the clarification was necessary to prevent misrepresentation and promote coordination, accountability and responsible political engagement.
Emokpaire said the group openly supports President Bola Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 election, adding that its focus would be on building a disciplined grassroots structure across the FCT.
“There is room for everyone who genuinely believes in the political objectives of the initiative. But there must be discipline, coordination and respect for recognised leadership structures,” he said.
He urged supporters to take the group’s message of peace, development, unity and responsible leadership to communities across the territory.
Jiba, a two-term former chairman of AMAC and coordinator of the Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar 774 Campaign Initiative for President Tinubu 2027, said his new role would focus on connecting grassroots stakeholders across the country.
He congratulated Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar on his appointment as Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, describing him as a politician with the experience and national network required for the assignment.
Jiba, who also served as National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said his experience had exposed him to the political and developmental importance of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
“For me, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a sure connect for 2027. His administration has made major investments in road infrastructure. Roads connect communities, connect states, support businesses, improve movement and strengthen security,” he said.
He said the initiative would leverage grassroots structures to communicate the administration’s programmes and mobilise support ahead of the election.
“Our message is simple: Connect the grassroots, mobilise the people and deliver victory,” Jiba stated.
He called on political leaders, local government stakeholders, youths, women and other supporters to join the mobilisation effort.
