2027: APC forum endorses Tinubu, Fubara for second term

The All Progressives Congress Forum for Good Governance and Continuity has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for a second term in office.

The endorsement was announced at a world press conference in Abuja on Monday, where the forum said its position was based on an “evidence-based assessment” of the leaders’ performance.

National Coordinator of the forum, Henry Awolabi, described the endorsement as more than a political statement.

“This is not merely a political declaration, but a moment of reflection, of evidence, and of conviction, where governance is judged by results rather than rhetoric,” he said.

He added that the group was presenting “a reasoned, evidence-based endorsement of two leaders whose stewardship, courage, and reform-driven governance have altered the trajectory of Nigeria and Rivers State, respectively.”

Speaking on the administration of President Tinubu, Awolabi said the government inherited a fragile economy in 2023 but responded with bold reforms.

“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria stood at the edge of a fiscal precipice. With clarity of purpose and uncommon political will, this administration embarked on what can only be described as a bold and historic reform agenda,” he said.

He noted that key policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification and tax reforms marked a shift towards fiscal discipline.

“The removal of fuel subsidies signalled the beginning of a new era of fiscal responsibility,” he said, adding that subsequent reforms have helped restore investor confidence and reposition the country globally.

According to the forum, Nigeria recorded consistent GDP growth exceeding four per cent by the end of 2025, alongside improved exchange rate stability and a gradual decline in inflation.

It also claimed that foreign reserves have increased, trade surpluses expanded, and non-oil revenue generation reached record levels.

While acknowledging the challenges associated with the reforms, the group said such measures were necessary.

“Nations are not transformed by comfort; they are transformed by courage,” Awolabi stated. “President Tinubu chose courage, and today Nigeria stands stronger for it.”

On Rivers State, the forum commended Governor Fubara for stabilising the political environment and advancing development initiatives.

“In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated leadership by navigating intense political turbulence and restoring stability while focusing on infrastructure expansion,” Awolabi said.

He added that the governor has prioritised road construction, completed abandoned projects, improved healthcare delivery, and supported agriculture to boost food security and diversify the economy.

The forum described Fubara’s leadership style as people-oriented and reform-driven.

“What distinguishes the governor is not just what he has done, but how he has done it; with restraint in the face of provocation, with focus in the midst of distraction, and with commitment in the face of adversity,” the group said.

The coalition warned against disrupting ongoing reforms, noting that both the country and Rivers State are undergoing critical transitions.

“The greatest danger to progress is inconsistency. Nigeria is in the middle of a structural reset, while Rivers State is undergoing a critical phase of stabilisation and reconstruction,” it stated.

The group formally declared its support for both leaders’ re-election bids.

“We unequivocally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office,” the forum said. “We do so because he has demonstrated the courage to take difficult decisions, the discipline to implement reforms, and the vision to reposition Nigeria for greatness.”

It added, “We also unequivocally endorse Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term as Governor of Rivers State. We do so because he has shown resilience in crisis, commitment to development, and capacity to lead with purpose.”