2027: Ex-Sokoto Deputy Governor Calls on North to Support Tinubu

A former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar Shagari, has asked northerners to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. He pointed to ongoing government reforms and infrastructure development as reasons to back Tinubu's re-election.

Shagari, who has served as a Minister of Water Resources and is the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, made this appeal while congratulating Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the successful launch of the presidential campaign in Kaduna State on Saturday.

In a statement from his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, shared with reporters on Monday, Shagari said the event showed the APC’s strength, unity, and determination to rally support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He noted that the presence of party leaders, northern governors, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters highlighted the region’s significance in Nigeria’s politics.

Shagari praised the APC leadership and others involved for organizing the event. He stressed that continued cooperation, unity, and good communication with citizens are key for the party's success at the polls.

He is hopeful that Tinubu will gain strong backing from northern voters in 2027. He also urged the Federal Government to engage more with Nigerians and ensure that its policies lead to real improvements in their lives.

The former minister also congratulated Tinubu on the opening of the Kaduna-Abuja dual carriageway. He called the project a major achievement in infrastructure that would enhance transportation and boost business activities.

"I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Kaduna-Abuja road project and the efforts made to improve critical infrastructure across the country.

A good road network is crucial for economic growth because it helps people, goods, and services move easily, reducing challenges for commuters and businesses," he said.

He mentioned that investing in roads, transportation, and public infrastructure would increase economic activities, create jobs, and make it easier to do business.

Shagari pointed out that farmers, small traders, transport operators, and others in the economy would benefit from a better transportation system.

However, he urged the Federal Government to keep up its infrastructure development while also focusing on security, economic stability, job creation, and social protection.

He said the success of any government depends on its ability to deliver real benefits to the people.

The former deputy governor added that a second term for Tinubu would allow for the continuation of ongoing projects, strengthen reforms, and promote further development initiatives.

He emphasized that political support must be backed by good leadership, transparency, accountability, and ongoing dialogue with citizens.

"Nigerians expect governance to bring visible changes to their lives," he said.

Shagari called on northerners to support Tinubu’s re-election, expressing confidence that keeping the same government would help continue development projects and advance national growth.

Speaking about Sokoto State, he praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his commitment to infrastructure development, social welfare, human capital development, and policies that aim to improve residents' lives.

He said ongoing investment in these areas is crucial for better living standards and development throughout the state.