The political landscape of Nigeria witnessed a significant development as governors and prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the South-South region converged in Benin City, Edo State, to declare their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. This gathering, described as a stakeholders’ interactive session, served as a platform for the party’s stalwarts to express their confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and endorse his “Renewed Hope Agenda” for a second term. The event was marked by a strong showing of unity and a collective affirmation of the president’s performance since assuming office.
The Benin City meeting attracted a formidable array of political heavyweights, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, and Niger Delta Development Commission Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku. The presence of these influential figures underscored the significance of the gathering and the weight of the endorsement for Tinubu’s second term ambition. The assembly also included key figures from Edo State’s political landscape, such as Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Speaker of the House of Assembly Blessing Agbebaku, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, and APC State Chairman Jarret Tenebe, further solidifying the show of support from within the host state.
The attendees unanimously lauded Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to impactful reforms and his vision for a prosperous Nigeria. They highlighted key policy initiatives undertaken by the administration, including the student loan program aimed at expanding access to higher education and the exemption of low-income earners from taxation, as tangible evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians. These policies, they argued, demonstrate the president’s focus on inclusive growth and his commitment to alleviating the financial burden on vulnerable segments of the population. The gathering served as a platform to showcase the administration’s achievements and solidify support for Tinubu’s continued leadership.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki emerged as a vocal champion of Tinubu’s re-election bid. He expressed his profound gratitude for the unity displayed by his fellow governors and described the gathering in Benin City as an unprecedented demonstration of solidarity within the APC. Obaseki lauded Tinubu as a “capacity working president” who has provided the necessary resources for governors to effectively govern their states. He praised the president’s bold reforms and decisive actions, emphasizing their positive impact on Nigeria’s development trajectory. Obaseki’s strong endorsement, coupled with his commitment to deliver a substantial number of votes for Tinubu in the upcoming election, signifies a significant boost for the president’s re-election campaign.
Governor Obaseki’s endorsement of Tinubu was accompanied by a bold pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes for the president in Edo State in the 2027 election. He dismissed skepticism from opposition parties, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly road constructions linking several communities in the state, as tangible proof of his commitment and the president’s support for Edo State’s development. Obaseki highlighted the construction of a road in the community of the immediate past governor, Godwin Obaseki, which he claimed had been neglected for eight years, as a testament to the positive impact of Tinubu’s presidency on the state. He framed these developmental initiatives as a direct result of Tinubu’s support and emphasized his determination to reciprocate this support by securing a significant victory for the president in Edo State.
Governor Obaseki’s address also touched upon the challenges faced by Tinubu during his initial presidential bid, recalling how political opponents allegedly attempted to sabotage his campaign by manipulating the economy and fuel supply. Despite these obstacles, Tinubu emerged victorious, a testament to his resilience and the unwavering support he enjoys from the electorate. Obaseki reiterated his unwavering commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, citing the ongoing infrastructure projects and economic reforms as evidence of the president’s dedication to Nigeria’s progress. His concluding statement, “Anywhere he goes, we go,” encapsulates the depth of his support and his unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu.
