Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged Akwa Ibom State voters to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027, citing economic reforms and continuity in governance.

Mr Shettima made the appeal at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally held in Uyo on Friday.

He described Mr Tinubu as an experienced leader who had stabilised an economy previously in difficulty.

The vice president also highlighted Mr Tinubu’s political influence, citing successive Lagos governors who had supported his leadership since 2007.

He noted that Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode and Babajide Sanwo-Olu governed Lagos since Tinubu left office as governor.

According to him, their succession demonstrated a political structure capable of accommodating different personalities while maintaining a common purpose.

Mr Shettima said, “This is an important distinction between attracting followers and developing leaders. Followers may gather around opportunity or personal loyalty.

“Developing leaders requires a different investment, which includes the willingness to share responsibility, accommodate differing judgement, and create institutions capable of functioning beyond one’s personal control.”

He added that the presidency should not be regarded as a retirement benefit for long years in politics.

He noted that it required strong political will and an established leadership structure instead.

 Also, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, expressed confidence in Akwa Ibom’s support for Mr Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027.

Mr Akpabio assured the President and party faithful that the state was prepared to deliver over two million votes for Mr Tinubu.

Similarly, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Nigerians to re-elect Tinubu in 2027.

Mr Yilwatda said Mr Tinubu’s political journey demonstrated his commitment to public service and willingness to take difficult decisions.

He attributed the country’s economic changes to the President’s reforms, claiming they positively affected the economy.

He said, “Today, the reforms he made have changed Nigeria’s economy. The World Bank, the IMF, and all national economic ranking bodies have testified, advised, and stated that Nigeria is making the right decision, is headed in the right direction and the numbers are excellent.” 

(NAN)