The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has described the Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket as one of the most formidable political combinations in Nigeria’s democratic history, insisting that President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term to consolidate his administration’s reforms.
Yilwatda made the remarks on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Presidential Campaign Rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The rally, which attracted party supporters, political stakeholders and coalition members from across Rivers State and the South-South region, formed part of the President’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, the APC chairman said the Tinubu-Shettima ticket represented a combination of political experience, courage, capacity and tested leadership that could steer Nigeria towards sustainable economic growth and national development.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda described Tinubu as a courageous leader willing to make difficult decisions in the national interest.
He said the President had demonstrated determination to confront longstanding structural challenges affecting Nigeria’s development.
According to Yilwatda, Tinubu inherited serious fiscal and economic difficulties, including unsustainable fuel subsidy expenditure, revenue constraints and mounting financial obligations.
He defended the administration’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy and unify the foreign exchange market, describing the measures as necessary steps towards rebuilding the economy, strengthening public finances and creating a sustainable foundation for long-term growth.
Although he acknowledged that the reforms had placed significant adjustment pressures on households and businesses, the APC chairman said the administration was working to address their effects through economic stabilisation measures, social interventions and infrastructure investments.
Yilwatda also highlighted the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme, particularly major highway projects designed to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and reduce transportation costs.
He said the investments, including proposed and ongoing superhighway projects, reflected Tinubu’s commitment to using infrastructure as a driver of economic growth and national integration.
The APC chairman urged Nigerians to remain focused on the long-term objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing that continuity was necessary for the administration to consolidate its policies and deliver greater economic benefits.
He described Tinubu as a reformer and performer, adding that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to decide whether to sustain the administration’s policy direction.
On the political situation in Rivers State, Yilwatda expressed satisfaction with what he described as growing support for Tinubu’s re-election bid across traditional party boundaries.
He commended political leaders and members of the Rainbow Coalition for backing the President, saying cooperation among political stakeholders was important for national unity and development.
Yilwatda expressed confidence that Rivers State would deliver substantial electoral support for Tinubu in 2027.
He specifically mentioned Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and other political leaders as key figures in the mobilisation effort.
The APC chairman said the party was looking forward to strong support from the state, adding that the administration hoped to return after the election to celebrate what he described as a renewed mandate.
