The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled the formal flag-off of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign for October 24 in Kaduna State, as political tensions rise between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi ahead of the general elections.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is continuing its nationwide display of the preliminary voters’ register and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), with the exercise scheduled to run until October 15.
Key Highlights
- The APC has scheduled the formal launch of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign for October 24 in Kaduna.
- The APC Presidential Campaign Council is expected to hold its inaugural meeting on October 14.
- Port Harcourt and Maiduguri are among the planned destinations for subsequent campaign activities.
- Nyesom Wike has criticised Rotimi Amaechi over remarks reportedly made against Tinubu’s supporters.
- Wike has challenged Amaechi to account for several projects and transactions from his tenure as Rivers State governor.
- INEC’s preliminary voters’ register display and PVC collection exercise runs until October 15.
- Nigeria’s National Register of Voters has reportedly surpassed 103 million, subject to verification of new registrations.
APC Fixes October 24 for Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign Launch
Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, announced the campaign timetable after briefing President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
According to Yari, the campaign council’s inaugural meeting will take place on October 14 at the State House Banquet Hall, while the formal campaign flag-off is scheduled for October 24 in Kaduna State.
Following the Kaduna event, the campaign is expected to move to Port Harcourt in Rivers State and Maiduguri in Borno State.
Yari said Tinubu had approved the proposed schedule of state visits, adding that the complete timetable would be released after the campaign council’s inauguration.
The APC campaign director-general also claimed that Tinubu currently has control of more than 10 states across northern and southern Nigeria. He dismissed opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi as significant threats to the President’s re-election bid.
Wike Attacks Amaechi Over Reported Anti-Tinubu Remarks
In a separate political development, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has launched a verbal attack on Rotimi Amaechi following remarks the former Rivers State governor reportedly made at a gathering in Edo State.
Amaechi, who is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reportedly said that only “thieves and mad people” would vote for Tinubu.
Reacting to the reported comments while speaking to journalists in Abuja after meeting FCT area council chairmen, Wike described figures such as Amaechi as “bloody thieves” and “lunatics.”
Wike argued that people he considers unfit for leadership should not aspire to the presidency, using the phrases “a lunatic cannot preside over the affairs of this country” and “a known armed robber cannot.”
The minister also challenged Amaechi to account for projects and transactions associated with his tenure as Rivers State governor.
Wike Raises Questions Over Amaechi’s Rivers Projects
Wike cited several projects and transactions that he said required explanations, including an alleged $39 million payment for a hospital project, $10 million for a fumigation contract, a ₦68 billion monorail project and the reported sale of state-owned gas turbines for $308 million.
The claims were raised by Wike during his criticism of Amaechi. They should be treated as allegations unless independently substantiated by relevant records or official findings.
Wike also warned that if Amaechi continued making similar remarks, it could become difficult for him to campaign in Rivers State.
He further called on INEC to sanction remarks of the kind reportedly attributed to the former minister.
The exchange adds to the political tensions surrounding the 2027 elections, with both figures remaining prominent in Nigeria’s political debate.
INEC Continues Voter Register Display and PVC Collection
While political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 polls, INEC is continuing its nationwide display of the preliminary voters’ register and collection of available PVCs.
The exercise, which began on October 9, is scheduled to end on October 15 and covers voters who registered, transferred their registration or requested replacement cards during the first phase of Continuous Voter Registration between August and December 2025.
According to the stated timetable, the exercise is taking place at Registration Area centres from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Eligible voters are expected to use the opportunity to check their details, submit claims or objections where necessary and collect available PVCs.
After October 15, PVC collection is expected to continue at INEC local government offices.
The commission has said the National Register of Voters now contains more than 103 million names following three phases of Continuous Voter Registration that processed over 10.7 million new applicants, subject to biometric verification.
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INEC Outlines Preparations for January 2027 Elections
The voter register exercise forms part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the official campaign period is expected to continue until January 15, according to the timetable provided.
The display of the preliminary register gives voters an opportunity to identify errors or discrepancies before the electoral process advances further.
INEC’s activities are taking place alongside the political parties’ preparations, including the APC’s planned campaign launch and growing exchanges among political figures.
Political Activity Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Polls
The APC’s campaign timetable, the public dispute between Wike and Amaechi, and INEC’s voter registration-related activities highlight the multiple developments shaping Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
While the APC moves towards formally launching Tinubu’s re-election campaign, political disagreements over leadership, past government projects and electoral conduct are becoming increasingly prominent.
At the same time, INEC’s preliminary register display and PVC collection exercise places responsibility on eligible voters to verify their details and obtain available cards before the next stages of election preparation.
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