Governors say policy continuity is critical to sustaining economic reforms, improving security and delivering long-term national prosperity.
President Bola Tinubu received a major political boost on Tuesday as governors serving their first terms under the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously endorsed him for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and national recovery efforts require continuity rather than a change in leadership. Meeting in Kebbi State, the governors said their decision was informed by the need to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda, deepen federal-state collaboration and provide stability for policies they believe will deliver long-term economic growth despite the current hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, where the governors declared their “total support” for Tinubu and pledged to work towards the continuation of his administration beyond 2027.
According to the communiqué, the governors insisted that their backing for the President was based on conviction rather than partisan politics.
“Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is not based on politics alone. It is based on the conviction that Nigeria requires courageous leadership, policy continuity, stronger federal-state collaboration and a development path that rewards production, enterprise, agriculture, innovation and hard work,” they stated.
The governors acknowledged that many Nigerians were grappling with rising living costs and the effects of economic reforms but maintained that the policies introduced by the Tinubu administration were necessary to rebuild the country’s economy.
“We acknowledge the sacrifices Nigerians have made in this period of economic adjustment. Families, workers, farmers, traders, transporters, young people, women and vulnerable citizens have all felt the weight of current realities. We do not dismiss these difficulties,” the communiqué read.
They argued that the critical issue was whether Nigeria should abandon reforms midway or remain committed to implementing them while making necessary adjustments and expanding relief programmes for vulnerable citizens.
The governors said the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda was essential for national recovery, shared prosperity, democratic stability and the protection of the Nigerian federation, urging Nigerians to remain patient as the reforms mature.
On security, the governors expressed concern over persistent insecurity across several parts of the country, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and attacks on schools. They strongly condemned the abduction of children, attacks on educational institutions, the killing of innocent citizens and other criminal activities that threaten public safety and economic development.
They pledged closer collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security coordination and restore public confidence.
The meeting also considered reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The governors condemned the attacks and called on the South African authorities to ensure the protection of foreign residents, bring perpetrators to justice and uphold the rights of all Africans living in the country.
While endorsing Tinubu, the governors admitted that their support must be complemented by improved governance in their respective states. They pledged to intensify efforts to deliver measurable development through investments in agriculture and food security, education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, job creation, energy access, revenue reforms and transparent governance.
The governors also commended President Tinubu for taking what they described as difficult but necessary decisions in the national interest, urging the Federal Government to expand interventions aimed at easing the burden of economic reforms through increased support for food production, transportation, social protection, rural livelihoods and security.
They concluded by resolving to seek re-election based on their performance in office rather than political rhetoric.
“Our re-election efforts shall be anchored on performance, not propaganda; service, not sentiment; unity, not division; and results, not noise,” the communiqué stated. “We shall go to our people, present our records, listen to their concerns, correct our shortcomings and seek their continued trust in the interest of stability and development.”
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