2027: Basiru urges ex-Assembly speakers to back Tinubu

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has urged former presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly across the country to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and promote the administration’s economic reforms. Basiru made the call at a programme organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, themed, “Kaduna 2026: United Voices of Experience, All Together for Tinubu 2027.” He described the former legislative leaders as experienced political actors whose electoral and public service backgrounds could help the ruling party strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, their experience would be useful in explaining the rationale behind the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, responding to opposition criticism and engaging voters on the government’s performance. Basiru said Tinubu inherited severe fiscal pressures upon assuming office, which, he noted, necessitated difficult policy decisions, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the adoption of a more market-driven foreign exchange regime.

He argued that the reforms, despite the initial difficulties they caused, had improved the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to meet salary and pension obligations and invest in development projects. The APC national secretary urged political stakeholders to explain the objectives of the reforms to Nigerians, including the challenges associated with their implementation and their expected long-term effects.

He also challenged opposition leaders who had previously occupied influential positions in government to account for their records in office before criticising the current administration. Basiru specifically questioned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s economic proposals, citing his participation in previous administrations and raising concerns over the privatisation and sale of national assets during that period.

He cautioned voters against what he described as unrealistic promises and politically motivated narratives by opposition figures seeking support ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC chieftain urged the former presiding officers to intensify public enlightenment, engage communities and encourage voters to assess political parties and candidates based on their records, policies and performance.

He said sustained mobilisation, strategic communication and unity among party stakeholders would be necessary for the APC’s campaign ahead of the elections. Basiru reaffirmed his call for party members and political stakeholders to take the administration’s message to the grassroots and mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.