The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has clarified that its decision not to submit the name of a presidential candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general election was a deliberate political choice following the party’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The party said the absence of its presidential candidate from INEC’s nomination portal was not due to any administrative lapse or inability to comply with electoral requirements but stemmed from a resolution reached by its National Executive Committee (NEC).

Speaking with Vanguard, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, said the party resolved after extensive consultations to back President Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing the decision as one made in the national interest.

“We have not uploaded a presidential candidate because the National Executive Committee of the party has already taken a decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” Opara stated.

He, however, stressed that APGA remains fully engaged in the electoral process and has successfully submitted the names of its candidates for the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elections.

“However, I can confirm that APGA has successfully uploaded all its candidates for the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly elections to the INEC portal,” he added.

Osun Police Confirm Arrest Of Self-Styled PFIPC Director-General Adeniyi Adeyemi

Opara explained that all required documents for the party’s candidates contesting Senate, House of Representatives and state assembly seats were submitted within the timeframe stipulated by INEC.

He dismissed suggestions that APGA’s endorsement of Tinubu amounted to a withdrawal from the 2027 general election, noting that the party remains committed to contesting legislative elections across the country.

According to him, the party’s strategy is aimed at expanding its representation in the National Assembly and state legislatures while supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition at the presidential level.

The APGA spokesman said the party’s decision should not be interpreted as a failure to fulfil its electoral obligations but as a calculated political strategy adopted by its leadership.

He maintained that endorsing Tinubu would not diminish APGA’s identity or its commitment to strengthening its presence in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.

Opara added that the party remains focused on producing competent lawmakers capable of advancing its policies, protecting the interests of its supporters and contributing meaningfully to national development.

He said APGA would continue mobilising support for its candidates nationwide while encouraging members and supporters to back President Tinubu’s re-election in line with the resolution of the party’s National Executive Committee.

The clarification followed public questions over why APGA had no presidential candidate listed on INEC’s nomination portal despite successfully submitting candidates for other elective positions.

Opara reiterated that the omission was intentional and reflected the party’s adopted political strategy for the 2027 general election rather than any challenge with the nomination process.