First-term APC governors support Tinubu's second term

Governors from the All Progressives Congress who are serving their first term have come together to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term. They want the Renewed Hope Agenda to continue after the 2027 elections.

This support was shared in a statement after their meeting in Kebbi State on Tuesday.

The governors explained that their choice was based on the need for ongoing policies, economic stability, and national reforms. They said their support for the President goes beyond party lines.

“Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is not based on politics alone.

“It is based on the belief that Nigeria needs strong leadership, ongoing policies, better teamwork between federal and state governments, and a path that encourages production, enterprise, agriculture, innovation and hard work,” the statement from the APC first-term governors said.

They recognized the tough economic times many Nigerians are facing but insisted that the changes made by Tinubu's administration are important for fixing the economy.

“We understand the sacrifices Nigerians have made during this time of economic change. Families, workers, farmers, traders, transporters, youth, women, and vulnerable people have all felt these challenges. We do not ignore these hardships,” they stated.

The governors expressed “total support” for President Tinubu and favored his administration's continuation beyond 2027.

“We declare our total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and for the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027. We make this declaration as a commitment to national recovery, shared prosperity, democratic stability and the protection of the Nigerian federation.”

They also asked Nigerians to be patient with the ongoing reforms, saying the country should not give up on policies that they believe will bring long-term benefits.

“The real question is whether Nigeria should abandon reform midway or stay the course, correct what needs correcting, expand relief for the vulnerable, and allow the foundations being laid to produce lasting results.”

On security, the governors raised concerns about ongoing insecurity in different parts of the country, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and attacks on schools.

They condemned the kidnapping of children, attacks on schools, the killing of innocent people, and other criminal acts. They promised better teamwork among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, traditional leaders, and community heads to boost security.

“We strongly condemn the abduction of children, kidnapping of innocent people, attacks on schools, the killing of vulnerable persons, and all acts of terror and criminality that undermine education, economic life, public confidence, and national peace.”

The meeting also talked about attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. The governors condemned xenophobia and urged South African authorities to protect foreign residents and ensure justice for victims.

The governors acknowledged that their backing for President Tinubu must come with better performance in their states.

“We will not just ask Nigerians to support the President; we will give Nigerians reasons to believe by working harder, showing real results, and ensuring that federal reforms benefit the local people.”

They promised to focus on agriculture and food security, education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, job creation, investment promotion, energy access, revenue reforms, and transparent governance.

The APC governors praised President Tinubu for making what they called tough but necessary decisions for the country’s interest. They urged the Federal Government to keep expanding help for easing hardship, especially in food production, transportation, social protection, rural livelihoods, and security.

They ended by saying they would seek re-election based on their performance.

“Our re-election efforts will be based on performance, not propaganda; service, not sentiment; unity, not division; and results, not noise.

“We will go to our people, present our records, listen to their concerns, correct our mistakes and earn their continued trust for stability and development.