The Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, says members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other Nigerians want President Bola Tinubu to continue in office in 2027.

Mr Gbajabiamila spoke with journalists on Saturday in Surulere, Lagos, during the APC presidential primary election.

The chief of staff, who arrived at his Ward G2, Adeniran Ogunsanya, at 12:48 p.m. with his mother, Lateefat Gbajabiamila, said the massive turnout of party members and supporters reflected growing confidence in Mr Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda.

According to him, Nigerians have continued to show understanding of the administration’s long-term economic and political policies.

“This crowd is out here for one reason and one reason only.

“To express their love, to express their desire for continuity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the next four years.

“And you can see the crowd, overwhelming, and we are grateful, we are grateful,” he said.

Mr Gbajabiamila said supporters thronged the venue despite the inclement weather because of their belief in the president’s vision.

“You can see under the hot sun, you can see my 96-year-old mother as well, and the young, the old, men and women, they are all here.

“It turns out there are large numbers because of the good work of this government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That’s why they are here,” he said.

The presidential aide said many Nigerians understood that the reforms introduced by the administration were designed for long-term benefits.

“Why do you think they have this strong belief that he is capable of continuing the good work?

“Well, a lot of people in Nigeria, a lot of people are very discerning.

“They understand the policies of this government,” he said.

Mr Gbajabiamila said citizens were aware that economic reforms usually required patience before yielding positive results.

“They understand that the rewards of these policies will be reaped in the long term.

“When you are reforming, you don’t expect the gains in the short term or the very next day, no. It’s a long-term thing,” he said.

He likened the present economic challenges facing Nigerians to the pains associated with childbirth.

“And like the President has always said, it’s like the birth pains of a pregnant woman.

“For eight or nine months, you’re pregnant, you’re uncomfortable, there’s a lot of discomfort, you’re in pain sometimes.

“But at the end of the day, when you deliver that child, all those pains are forgotten,” he said.

The chief of staff said the reforms introduced by Tinubu were necessary for national growth and development.

“All those pains are completely out of the window and you begin to enjoy the benefits of your newborn baby.

“So, that’s exactly the best analogy for what’s going on in Nigeria today. It’s a necessary reform the President has put in place,” he said.

Mr Gbajabiamila described Mr Tinubu as a courageous and visionary leader determined to reposition the country.

“It takes boldness, it takes courage, and it takes a man with vision.

“And I know these people here, you ask why they are out here, because they see through all the noise.

“They know that at the end of the day, joy is coming,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians can see beyond current hardships, hence their patience for the reforms to yield desirable returns.

He assured Nigerians that Mr Tinubu would not disappoint them if re-elected in 2027. 

(NAN)