Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, urging Nigerians to support the administration's economic reform agenda. Speaking at a national forum of former presiding officers of state houses of assembly in Nigeria, Lalong argued that continuity is essential to consolidate the progress achieved since Tinubu took office in 2023.
Lalong, a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), framed the subsidy removal as a courageous step that previous governments avoided. He described it as "one of the most difficult and consequential economic decisions" taken in recent years, adding that successive administrations lacked the political will to confront the issue despite its damaging impact on public finances.
Subsidy Removal: A Bold Economic Departure
In his remarks, Lalong defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, which he said ended a long-standing pattern of consumption without corresponding investment in Nigeria's productive base. He argued that the old arrangement allowed the country to live beyond its means, with future generations bearing the cost of cheap fuel.
"For decades, Nigeria consumed what we did not produce. We succeeded in making our future children pay for cheap petrol. Everyone knew the truth but no leader had the courage to confront it," Lalong said. He added that Tinubu's 2023 announcement marked a clear shift, even though it brought short-term hardship for many citizens.
"It was not an easy decision. It was not a politically convenient decision. But sometimes, leadership is tested not by the decisions that are easy to make, but by the courage to make decisions that the moment demands," he stated.
Former Legislators Urged to Advocate for Reforms
Beyond defending the policy, Lalong called on former legislative leaders at the forum to become advocates for the reform agenda in their communities. He stressed that public understanding is critical to the success of the reforms, urging the audience to help bridge the gap between policy and public perception.
"Our duty today goes beyond assessment. Our duty is to be ambassadors of this difficult but necessary reform. President Tinubu has done his part by taking the bold decision. Our part is to help our people understand that the pains of today are the gains of tomorrow," Lalong said.
He also outlined the next priority: redirecting the resources freed by the subsidy removal into long-term investments that can grow the economy. Lalong expressed confidence that voters would recognize Tinubu's efforts at the polls, stating, "President Tinubu has exemplified those bold steps and come 2027, Nigerians will reward him to complete the great work."
Political Context: Defections and 2027 Preparations
The endorsement comes amid significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. In a related development, hundreds of members and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a decamping ceremony.
The defectors, largely drawn from Olle Oke Offin Ward in Kabba-Bunu, signal growing momentum for the ruling party as it gears up for the next electoral cycle. These political shifts underscore the intensifying contest for political allegiance as parties position themselves for the 2027 polls.
