2027 Elections: DLA Governorship Candidates Endorse Tinubu for Second Term but Rule Out APC DefectionA forum of governorship candidates of the Democratic Leadership Alliance has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, pledging to mobilise grassroots support for his re-election.
The forum announced its position at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, with its leader and Taraba State governorship candidate, Hon. Aboki Bayonga, saying members would work with the group Arewa for Asiwaju to build support for the President.
However, the candidates clarified that their endorsement did not mean they would defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They said their support was specifically for the presidential election.
Bayonga argued that the Tinubu administration should be given more time to implement its policies and complete projects requiring long-term planning and funding.
He cited initiatives relating to student loans, agriculture and road construction as areas considered by the forum in reaching its decision.
Discussing the student loan scheme, Bayonga referred to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the programme could help students access higher education even when their families faced difficulties paying school fees.
He also pointed to government support for farmers and ongoing road construction as reasons for backing the President’s second-term bid.
The DLA candidates said their decision followed a comparison of the presidential options available ahead of the 2027 election.
Bayonga, however, emphasised that the presidency belonged to Nigerians and that no individual could remain in office beyond the constitutional limit.
“The presidency belongs to the Nigerian people. Nobody owns it, and nobody can remain there beyond what the Constitution allows,” he said.
The endorsement adds to the political activity gathering pace ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC has also begun preparations for its presidential campaign, including the formation of campaign structures and plans for nationwide rallies.
Although the DLA forum has pledged support for Tinubu, its decision not to join the APC means the endorsement does not amount to a formal change in party membership.