Thursday May 22, 2025
Lawmakers elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly have officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The endorsement came on Thursday during the APC National Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, following a motion moved by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and seconded by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Akpabio, who rallied support from principal officers of the National Assembly, urged lawmakers to back Tinubu’s second-term bid both legislatively and within their constituencies.
“This is not just about talking the talk. We must also walk the talk,” Akpabio said.
Addressing the gathering, Akpabio acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges but praised the President’s performance, especially in stabilising and growing the economy.
“Even though you inherited a troubled economy, you have managed to bring it back on the path of growth, despite a global recession,” he noted.
On security, Akpabio shared a personal anecdote from a fellow senator who said he could now “sleep with three eyes closed” after years of insecurity in his community.
“You have done very well in the area of security. Despite sporadic terrorist attacks, Nigerians can feel the difference,” he said.
It was earlier reported that the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) also endorsed President Tinubu as the party’s consensus candidate for 2027.
Applauding the growing unity within the party, Akpabio said, “I saw our governors, former presiding officers like Senator Ayim Pius Ayim and Ken Nnamani. It shows that the party has succeeded in bringing everyone together.”
He praised President Tinubu’s education reforms, noting the establishment of 32 new universities, including the University of Environment in Ogoniland, and the introduction of the Students Loans Act to support access to higher education for the underprivileged.
On the economy, Akpabio highlighted the National Economic Stabilisation and Recovery Act aimed at inflation control, investment attraction, and broader reforms, asserting, “Our economy is on track.”
He also commended improvements in healthcare delivery through the Universal Health Coverage Act, and the increase in minimum wage from N30,000 to about N70,000, which he said had boosted workers’ morale.
Reviewing the performance of the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio said lawmakers had introduced 477 bills, with 25 passed into law. He listed key reforms such as the Petroleum Industry Reform Act, Regional Development Commissions Act, and Infrastructure Development Funds for states.
He further noted that a 47-member constitutional review committee had been established to push reforms focused on devolution of powers, state policing, electoral reforms, and local government autonomy.
On the international front, Akpabio said the Senate had engaged with key partners including China, the UAE, ECOWAS, and the Pan-African Parliament, while boosting funding and coordination for national security and counter-terrorism.
However, Akpabio warned against complacency in the buildup to 2027.
“Many people promised you votes in 2023 but failed to deliver 25% in their states. Politics is not over until it’s over. It is the tree that bears the sweetest fruit that receives the most stones,” he said.
He urged lawmakers and governors to ensure their support for President Tinubu is not only vocal but reflected in electoral outcomes.
“Politics is a game of witchcraft. Please, don’t sleep,” he added.
