2027: DLA governorship candidates back Tinubu, rule out defection
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA— The governorship candidates of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) have officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, asserting that their party currently lacks a presidential candidate.
Despite this endorsement, the candidates have ruled out any possibility of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recent announcements by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identified Mr. Adebisi Moses Olusoji as the DLA’s presidential candidate. However, the governorship candidates convened on Friday to clarify that the DLA does not have a standard bearer for the upcoming election.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Forum of Governorship Candidates of the DLA, led by its Chairman Hon. Aboki Bayonga, expressed their commitment to leveraging grassroots structures to secure victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 election. “As the Forum of Governorship Candidates of DLA, we are here today declaring our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our presidential candidate in 2027,” Bayonga stated.
He emphasized that while they support Tinubu, their aspirations to contest for various political positions—governorship, senatorial seats, and state legislatures—on the DLA platform remain intact. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that Asiwaju is back in 2027,” he added.
Bayonga noted that the decision to support Tinubu came after extensive consultations among party members. The candidates chose to endorse the President due to the absence of their own candidate for the presidential election, clarifying that this endorsement did not signify a withdrawal from the DLA’s objectives.
The press conference included participation from other governorship candidates, such as Alhaji Adamu Idrisu Chado (Kaduna), Hon. Bekky Folorunso James (Osun), Prof. Valdya Tame (Adamawa), Hon. Ibrahim Musa (FCT), Hon. Sam Umar (Plateau), Alhaji Sani Mohammed (Gombe), Hon. Nnamdi Ugwu (Enugu), and Hon. Brent Micheal (Bauchi).
In explaining their endorsement, Bayonga pointed out various government initiatives that have positively impacted Nigerian citizens, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, agricultural support through fertilizer distribution, and improvements in road construction. He stated, “A single term might not be enough to complete programs that require long-term planning and funding,” advocating for continuity in governance.
When asked about whether the DLA’s national chairman and other governorship candidates approved the endorsement, Bayonga confirmed their unanimous support, stating that a general meeting had taken place with all party members present.
The candidates assessed the current political landscape and determined that giving Tinubu another four years would allow for the continuation of beneficial government programs. “Our political networks and relationships with voters are vital for mobilizing support for the President,” said Bayonga, insisting that grassroots influence transcends party allegiances.
He addressed concerns regarding a potential life presidency, asserting that the presidency is governed by constitutional mandates and ultimately belongs to the Nigerian people. “Nobody owns it, and nobody can remain there beyond what the Constitution allows,” he concluded.
