APC Chairman Boldly Predicts 1 Million Votes for 2027 Re-election
As the political landscape in Nigeria begins to shift toward the next general election cycle, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has made a massive declaration of intent. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the state chairman of the party, Hon. Rufus Bature, boldly predicted that Plateau State would deliver over one million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
This ambitious target comes as the party intensifies its grassroots mobilization efforts, aiming to flip the state’s electoral narrative and cement a dominant lead for the incumbent administration. Speaking at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, Bature emphasized that the party has been restructured to ensure that the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda resonates with every household in the state.
The Million-Vote Mandate: A Tactical Ambition
The boast of one million votes is a significant departure from previous electoral outcomes in Plateau State, which has traditionally been a battleground for various political interests. To achieve this, the APC is banking on a combination of infrastructural projects and social intervention programs that the Tinubu administration has funneled into the North Central zone.
- Grassroots Restructuring: Chairman Rufus Bature noted that the party is currently undergoing a “bottom-up” rejuvenation, ensuring that ward-level executives are empowered to recruit new members.
- Performance-Based Campaign: The party plans to run on the achievements of the current administration, specifically focusing on security improvements and agricultural support within the state.
- Inclusivity and Unity: Bature stressed that the APC in Plateau is now more united than ever, having resolved internal grievances that may have hampered performance in the 2023 cycle.
Breaking Down the 2027 Electoral Strategy
The APC’s “Project 1 Million Votes” isn’t just a verbal boast; it involves a calculated breakdown of the state’s voting blocs. The party is targeting a high turnout in rural areas where agricultural incentives have been most felt.
| Strategy Pillar | Target Objective | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Mobilization Membership Drive | Register 500,000 new party members across 17 LGAs. | A solidified voting base before 2027. |
| Security Stabilization | Partner with FG to ensure zero-clash zones in Plateau North. | Increased confidence and higher voter turnout. |
| Demographics Youth & Women | Deploy targeted empowerment grants and SME loans. | 40% contribution to the 1 Million target. |
| Media Public Awareness | Aggressive radio and digital campaigns in local dialects. | Massive awareness of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. |
Political Implications: Challenging the Status Quo
Plateau State has historically been unpredictable, often swinging between the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). By setting a target as high as one million votes, Rufus Bature is signaling a “total takeover” strategy.
- Pressure on the Opposition: This bold claim serves as a psychological tool to demoralize opposition parties and attract defectors who want to be on the “winning side.”
- Federal Alignment: The state APC is positioning itself as the most loyal chapter in the North Central, hoping to secure more federal appointments and projects for the people of Plateau.
- Voter Education: The party has announced plans for massive voter education to ensure that the “one million votes” are valid and properly cast, minimizing the number of voided ballots.
Addressing the Critics
Critics and opposition members have been quick to dismiss Bature’s boast as “political hallucination,” citing the economic challenges and cost of living. However, Bature remains undeterred, stating that the long-term benefits of the current reforms will be evident to every Nigerian by 2027, making the President’s re-election a “natural choice” for the electorate. He urged party members to remain steadfast and ignore the “noise” from the opposition, focusing instead on the delivery of democratic dividends.
Conclusion: The Road to 2027 Begins in Jos
The declaration by the Plateau APC Chairman has officially fired the starting gun for the 2027 campaign season in the state. While one million votes is an incredibly high bar—one that would require record-breaking turnout—it shows the level of confidence the APC has in President Tinubu’s brand. As the political machinery grinds into gear, all eyes will be on Jos to see if the “Renewed Hope” momentum can truly transform Plateau into a one-million-vote stronghold.
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