WorldStage— 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, declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves another term to consolidate the bold reforms and transformative development initiatives of his administration.
Yilwatda made this declaration on Saturday, at the Rainbow Coalition Presidential Campaign Rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where President Tinubu was received by an enthusiastic crowd of party supporters, political stakeholders and members of the coalition from across the state and the South-South region.
The rally, which was part of the President’s ongoing nationwide mobilisation for the 2027 presidential election, provided another opportunity for the APC and its coalition partners to demonstrate their commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking at the gathering, the APC National Chairman said the Tinubu-Shettima ticket represented a combination of political experience, courage, capacity and tested leadership, capable of steering Nigeria through its current challenges towards sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki,
Yilwatda said:
“The most formidable presidential ticket we have ever produced in Nigeria is the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. We have a candidate in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is fearless, courageous and determined to confront the challenges of our country.
“He has demonstrated the capacity to take difficult decisions in the national interest, and he has remained resolute in pursuing the transformation of Nigeria.
“President Tinubu has confronted enormous challenges since assuming office, and rather than surrendering to them, he has taken decisive steps to address the structural problems that have constrained our national development for decades.
“He inherited a country facing serious fiscal and economic difficulties, including unsustainable fuel subsidy expenditure, revenue constraints and mounting obligations.
“His administration has demonstrated the political will to confront these challenges through difficult but necessary reforms.”
Yilwatda noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market and other economic policy adjustments were important components of the administration’s efforts to rebuild the economy, strengthen public finances and establish a more sustainable foundation for long-term growth.
He acknowledged that the reforms had come with significant adjustments for households and businesses but maintained that the administration was committed to addressing their impact through economic stabilisation measures, social interventions, infrastructure investments and policies designed to expand opportunities for Nigerians.
The APC National Chairman also drew attention to the administration’s ambitious infrastructure programme, particularly the development of major highway corridors intended to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs and integrate different parts of the country.
According to him, the Federal Government’s investments in strategic road infrastructure, including the proposed and ongoing superhighway projects, demonstrate President Tinubu’s determination to use infrastructure as a catalyst for economic expansion and national integration.
He said: “We have a President who understands that development cannot happen without infrastructure. He has initiated an ambitious infrastructure revolution through major highway projects that will connect different parts of Nigeria, open up economic corridors, facilitate the movement of goods and services and create new opportunities for our people.
“These are not merely road projects. They are investments in the future of our country, in agriculture, commerce, industrialisation, tourism and the prosperity of future generations.”
Professor Yilwatda urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the long-term objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting that the country must sustain the reform trajectory to enable the administration to consolidate its policies and deliver greater economic benefits.
He described President Tinubu as a reformer and performer whose leadership vision places national development above political convenience, adding that the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to choose continuity, stability and the consolidation of ongoing reforms.
Turning to Rivers State, the APC National Chairman expressed satisfaction with the growing political alignment behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid, noting that support for the President had transcended traditional party boundaries.
He commended the political leaders, stakeholders and members of the Rainbow Coalition for recognising the importance of national unity, political cooperation and continuity in the pursuit of Nigeria’s development.
According to him, the emerging political consensus in Rivers State reflects a broader recognition that the success of the Tinubu administration is in the collective interest of Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He declared: “Come 2027, we want to continue with this reformer and performer as our President. That is why the coalition and the people of Rivers State, irrespective of political party, have decided to work together for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yilwatda expressed confidence that Rivers State would deliver overwhelming electoral support for President Tinubu, predicting that the state would become a major stronghold of the President’s re-election campaign.
“Come January 2027, Rivers State will stand still. With the mobilisation capacity of the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and other political leaders and stakeholders, we are confident that Rivers will deliver maximum votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are looking forward to a situation where every part of this country will feel the impact of the prosperity that the consolidation of these reforms will bring. By the grace of God, we shall return after the election to give thanks for a renewed mandate and a brighter future for Nigeria.”
