A forum representing Nigeria’s serving and former local government councillors has officially declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, pledging a nationwide grassroots mobilization effort.
The National Councillors Forum of Nigeria made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. The group, which claims to represent 8,809 councillors from the country’s 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory, cited the Tinubu administration’s policies on local government autonomy and broader reforms as its primary justification.
Dr. Evoh Ugochukwu, President of the Forum and a councillor from Ebonyi State, credited the administration with delivering tangible progress. He stated that since President Tinubu took office in 2023, the “Renewed Hope Agenda” has moved from slogan to reality in communities across Nigeria. Specific achievements highlighted include the restoration of local government autonomy, improved grassroots funding and accountability, increased investment in infrastructure and security, and expanded social investment programmes.
“These policies are not mere promises. They are realities that are transforming lives in our communities,” Evoh said, adding that national security interventions, including modernisation of the armed forces and efforts against terrorism and kidnapping, have created safer environments for economic activity.
The Forum represents a significant network, extending its reach to 176,836 polling units and millions of grassroots supporters. Evoh asserted that the decision followed wide consultation and was based on “facts, evidence, and the realities on ground,” resulting in a “clear and unanimous decision” to offer “total, unwavering, and unconditional support” for Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The declaration includes a direct call to action for all serving and former councillors, ward leaders, and community stakeholders to organise and mobilise support at the most local levels. “We must take this message to every polling unit, every ward, and every household,” Evoh stressed.
The endorsement signals an attempt to consolidate political support from Nigeria’s foundational tier of government ahead of the next presidential election. By aligning with a group that claims direct links to local communities, the Tinubu camp is seeking to demonstrate sustained popular backing rooted in its perceived delivery on decentralisation and developmental reforms. The Forum’s coordinated mobilisation effort could influence voter engagement in the 2027 electoral cycle.
