The North Central region of Nigeria has scheduled a grand rally for October 10 in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, as part of a coordinated effort to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election. This move is part of a broader grassroots mobilisation programme unveiled by regional stakeholders and the North Central Grassroots Mobilisation Network. The programme aims to galvanize support across the six states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda, disclosed the plans while addressing correspondents at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Friday, October 2, 2026. According to Yelwatda, the six governors, government appointees, and other critical stakeholders in the region have resolved to mobilise support for Tinubu across the North Central. The planned rally in Lafia will demonstrate solidarity with the President, with APC members and supporters from the six states expected to converge on the city.
As part of the mobilisation programme, the North Central Grassroots Mobilisation Network will complement political mobilisation with grassroots advocacy and community-based initiatives. The network's Grand Patron, Senator George Akume, who is also the SGF, said the programme had received the endorsement of the APC National Secretariat. The network will conduct medical outreaches, advocacy tours, and town hall meetings across the region, covering various aspects of community engagement.
The medical outreaches will be conducted across the three senatorial districts of Benue State, focusing on eye screening and treatment, prescription of spectacles, cataract assessment, and selected surgeries, as well as glaucoma and diabetic eye screening. Additionally, the network will embark on grassroots advocacy tours and town hall meetings covering the 19 senatorial districts across the six states and the Federal Capital Territory. These initiatives aim to consolidate support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
Prof. Yelwatda also announced plans to constitute a reconciliation committee to address grievances within the party and consolidate support ahead of the 2027 election. This move is expected to foster unity and strengthen the party's base in the region. The stakeholders are set to reconvene next week to finalise preparations for the Lafia rally and coordinate the wider mobilisation programme.
The North Central region's support for President Tinubu is seen as crucial for his re-election bid in 2027. With the region's mobilisation programme underway, the President's chances of securing a second term are expected to receive a boost. The APC National Secretariat has endorsed the programme, which is being coordinated by the National Coordinator of the North Central Grassroots Mobilisation Network, Arch. Sonny Echono.
The massive rally in Lafia and the subsequent mobilisation programme are expected to demonstrate the North Central region's commitment to supporting President Tinubu's re-election bid. With the region's six states and the Federal Capital Territory set to participate, the programme is poised to make a significant impact on the President's 2027 election campaign.
Key points
- The North Central region of Nigeria plans a massive rally on October 10 to support President Tinubu's re-election bid.
- The region's mobilisation programme includes medical outreaches, advocacy tours, and town hall meetings across the six states and the Federal Capital Territory.
- A reconciliation committee will be constituted to address grievances within the APC and consolidate support ahead of the 2027 election.
