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 said the former legislative leaders possessed valuable political experience, electoral knowledge and public service records that could be deployed to support the President’s re-election bid.
According to him, their familiarity with grassroots politics placed them in a position to explain the rationale behind the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, respond to opposition criticisms and strengthen the APC’s support base across the country.
Basiru noted that Tinubu inherited significant fiscal challenges upon assuming office, prompting the administration to introduce major economic measures, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the adoption of a more market-driven foreign exchange regime.
He acknowledged the difficulties associated with the reforms but argued that they had improved the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to meet salary and pension obligations while allocating more resources to development projects.
The APC national secretary described the increased fiscal resources available to many state governments as a significant development in public finance management. He urged political stakeholders to help Nigerians understand the immediate effects of the reforms alongside their intended long-term objectives.
Basiru also challenged opposition figures who had previously occupied prominent positions in government to explain their records in office and demonstrate how their proposed policies differed from those implemented under previous administrations.
He singled out former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, questioning the credibility of his economic proposals in light of his involvement in past administrations, including the privatisation and sale of national assets.
The APC official further cautioned voters against accepting political promises without scrutiny, urging them to assess competing claims against verifiable records, policy proposals and government performance ahead of the 2027 elections.
He called on the former presiding officers to intensify public enlightenment efforts, engage communities nationwide and promote informed discussions about the administration’s policies and achievements.
Basiru said achieving the party’s electoral objectives would require sustained grassroots mobilisation, effective communication and unity among APC members and other political stakeholders.
He reiterated his appeal for party leaders and supporters to take the administration’s message to communities across the country, emphasising the role former legislative leaders could play in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election.
