Ondo state governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and other governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are serving their first term have unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, declaring their support for the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the governors held in Kebbi State on Tuesday.
The governors said their decision was informed by the need for policy continuity, economic stability and sustained national reforms, stressing that their support for the President went beyond partisan politics.
“Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is not based on politics alone.
“It is based on the conviction that Nigeria requires courageous leadership, policy continuity, stronger federal-state collaboration and a development path that rewards production, enterprise, agriculture, innovation and hard work,” the communiqué, signed by the APC first-term governors who met in Kebbi State, stated.
They acknowledged the economic hardship being experienced by many Nigerians but argued that the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were necessary to reposition the country’s economy.
“We acknowledge the sacrifices Nigerians have made in this period of economic adjustment. Families, workers, farmers, traders, transporters, young people, women and vulnerable citizens have all felt the weight of current realities. We do not dismiss these difficulties,” they said.
According to the communiqué, the governors declared their “total support” for President Tinubu and backed the continuity of his administration beyond 2027.
“We declare our total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and for the continuity of the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027. We make this declaration as a commitment to national recovery, shared prosperity, democratic stability and the protection of the Nigerian federation.”
The APC governors also urged Nigerians to remain patient with the ongoing reforms, saying the country should not abandon policies they believe are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
“The real question is whether Nigeria should abandon reform midway or stay the course, correct what needs correction, expand relief for the vulnerable, and allow the foundations being laid to produce lasting results.”
On security, the governors expressed concern over persistent insecurity across parts of the country, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and attacks on schools.
They condemned the abduction of children, attacks on schools, the killing of vulnerable persons and other acts of criminality, pledging stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to improve security.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the abduction of children, kidnapping of innocent citizens, attacks on schools, killing of vulnerable persons and all acts of terror and criminality that undermine education, economic life, public confidence and national peace.”
The meeting also addressed reports of attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, with the governors condemning xenophobia and calling on South African authorities to protect foreign residents and ensure justice for victims.
The governors further acknowledged that their support for President Tinubu must be matched by improved performance in their respective states.
“We shall not merely ask Nigerians to support the President; we shall give Nigerians reasons to believe by working harder, delivering visible results and ensuring that federal reforms translate into local benefits.”
They pledged to prioritise agriculture and food security, education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, job creation, investment promotion, energy access, revenue reforms and transparent governance.
The APC governors also commended President Tinubu for taking what they described as difficult but necessary decisions in the national interest and urged the Federal Government to continue expanding interventions aimed at easing hardship, particularly in food production, transportation, social protection, rural livelihoods and security.
They concluded by resolving to seek re-election based on their records in office.
“Our re-election efforts shall be anchored on performance, not propaganda; service, not sentiment; unity, not division; and results, not noise.
“We shall go to our people, present our records, listen to their concerns, correct our shortcomings and seek their continued trust in the interest of stability and development.”