Gov. Mai Mala Buni, has called on stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North East to remain united, reinforce support for the ruling party, and rally behind President Bola Tinubu in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election.
Governor Buni made this appeal while addressing key party leaders and members at the APC North East Zonal Consultative Meeting held on Sunday in Gombe.
He commended the national leadership of the party for establishing platforms for zonal consultations, describing them as vital avenues for stocktaking, self-evaluation, and mid-term strategic review.
He noted that such engagement reflects the party’s dedication to good governance, effective service delivery and unity across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Reflecting on the North East’s historic role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, Buni paid tribute to past and present leaders from the region, affirming that the zone remains a formidable political force.
He pointed to the emergence of the current Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as clear evidence of the region’s continued relevance in national affairs.
“This is a valued political legacy which we must not allow to be eroded or lost in our time,” Buni stated, urging stakeholders to maintain unity and loyalty to the APC in order to strengthen its position as Nigeria’s leading political party.
Marking a decade of APC’s leadership as Nigeria’s ruling party and Africa’s largest political movement, Buni attributed this success to strategic planning, inclusive leadership, and a strong internal democratic culture.
He encouraged members to resolve internal disagreements, improve the party’s reward system, and continue to draw in new supporters.
Reflecting on his experience as former National Secretary and Chairman of the party, Buni recalled how strategic measures led to mass defections from opposition parties, boosting the APC’s strength and electoral success. He commended the current national leadership for sustaining this progress.
On security, Buni praised President Tinubu for his decisive efforts in tackling insecurity in the North East and pledged the region’s continued collaboration with the federal government and security agencies to maintain peace, particularly to allow farmers access to their farmlands during the rainy season.
He stressed that the President’s ambitious economic reforms and social policies need time to bear full fruit, and urged the region to back Tinubu for a second term.
“In the spirit of fairness, equity and national interest, this forum should recognise the architect of these reforms, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and grant him the right of first refusal by endorsing him for the 2027 presidential election to complete these programmes for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Buni said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Vice President for his steadfast support and loyalty, and thanked President Tinubu for appointing a distinguished son of the zone, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser.