Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, have called on Nigerians to re-elect President Tinubu in 2027. They made the appeal at a mega empowerment programme organised by Gbajabiamila for residents of his Surulere constituency at the National Stadium, Lagos. More than 5,000 people benefited from the programme. Sanwo-Olu was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
Hamzat urged Nigerians to examine the antecedents of presidential aspirants before casting their votes in 2027. He highlighted Tinubu's political history, demonstrating his ability to build and sustain a political organisation. When the number of Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors declined in 2003, Tinubu remained in the party and worked to rebuild it. Hamzat criticised politicians seeking the presidency who had moved across several political parties.
Hamzat questioned the consistency and ability of politicians who had moved across parties to manage the affairs of the country. “Anybody that cannot manage a political party cannot be a good leader; for them, they have failed,” Hamzat said. He also urged residents of Surulere to support APC candidates in the forthcoming elections. The constituency has about 500,000 registered voters and should deliver at least 380,000 votes for the party.
Gbajabiamila canvassed support for Tinubu, saying the president was working to improve the lives of Nigerians. He mentioned increased allocations to states and local governments, the interest-free student loan scheme, and other initiatives. The federal government is also working on a framework for the creation of state police, a significant reform. Gbajabiamila chairs the committee leading the framework.
Gbajabiamila described the proposed state police reform as monumental and promised that President Tinubu would deliver. He urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying the administration’s work should continue. “All of this leads to one message for 2027. The work has started and it must continue. I am asking you, as your friend, as your leader, as your brother, as your fellow Surulerian, to renew your mandate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Gbajabiamila also addressed the controversy surrounding the investigation into the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council/Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PFIPC/PEAC). He faced calls for his removal during the controversy but appreciated Tinubu for insisting that due process be followed. Gbajabiamila thanked residents of Surulere and other Nigerians who supported him during the period.
Gbajabiamila expressed appreciation for the support received during the controversy, saying stories were written, false accusations were made, and lies were told, questioning his integrity. However, many Nigerians kept him in their prayers and spoke up for him when it mattered. The Chief of Staff claimed that investigations by the Nigerian authorities were ongoing.
Key points
- - Sanwo-Olu and Gbajabiamila urge Nigerians to re-elect President Tinubu in 2027. - The duo highlight Tinubu's track record and ongoing initiatives to improve the lives of Nigerians. - Gbajabiamila addresses controversy surrounding PFIPC/PEAC investigation.
