Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Northern youths to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, during a meeting with a delegation from the Northern Ethnic Groups Assembly in Abuja on Saturday, September 5.
Akpabio defended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and changes to foreign exchange policies, describing them as necessary measures to address long-standing structural issues in Nigeria’s economy.
Akpabio Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Speaking to the youth leaders, Akpabio said the reforms, though initially painful, were concrete actions designed to dismantle structural bottlenecks and unlock Nigeria’s potential. He compared the measures to surgical procedures needed to restore the country’s economic health, redirecting resources into healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“The reforms initiated by President Tinubu are not abstract theories; they are concrete, courageous actions designed to dismantle long-standing structural bottlenecks and unlock Nigeria's vast potential,” Akpabio said.
He also claimed early positive signs were emerging from the reforms, including improved revenue collection, stronger investor confidence, and renewed engagement from international partners. Akpabio warned that pulling back from the reform programme before it had fully taken root could reverse progress made so far.
Northern Assembly Pledges Support, Raises Three Priorities
The group’s spokesperson, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa, praised Akpabio for his efforts to strengthen political understanding between the North and South. Dan-Musa said Akpabio’s proactive engagement had rebuilt vital bridges of trust and proven that true national leadership transcends ethnic and geographical boundaries.
The coalition announced three areas of focus ahead of the 2027 elections: ongoing consultations with Northern youth structures, grassroots awareness campaigns on federal fiscal policies, and a commitment to national cohesion. Dan-Musa added that regional sentiments must not override national unity.
“No regional sentiment can take precedence over the sovereignty and peace of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The group also said it would run campaigns in rural communities to counter misinformation about the government’s economic policies and help ordinary Nigerians understand the long-term implications of the reforms.
Akpabio Urges Active Youth Participation
Akpabio urged the youths to take an active role in governance now rather than deferring responsibility to the future. “You are architects of today, not just leaders of tomorrow,” he told the delegation.
Political activities across Nigeria have intensified in recent months as parties and key figures begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that a political research body, the Political Intelligence Group (PIG) of Politico.ng, projected that President Tinubu would win 20 states if the 2027 presidential election were held under current conditions. The same projection indicated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would win nine states, while Labour Party candidate Peter Obi would secure eight states and the Federal Capital Territory.
