From John Bassey, Kebbi
First-term governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have declared that their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid must be backed by measurable achievements and improved service delivery across their respective states.
The governors made the declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
The communiqué was presented by the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, who said the governors understood that political support for the President must go hand-in-hand with good governance at the state level.
“As first-term APC governors seeking re-election, we recognise that our support for the President must be matched by performance in our respective states,” the communiqué stated.
The governors said they would not only appeal to Nigerians to support President Tinubu but would also work harder to provide evidence of effective leadership through visible projects and policies that directly impact citizens.
They pledged commitment to improving key sectors including agriculture and food security, rural infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, youth and women empowerment, security, energy access, investment promotion, job creation, revenue reforms, and transparent governance.
The governors commended President Tinubu for what they described as difficult but necessary economic decisions taken in the national interest.
They also praised the administration for giving states greater opportunities to participate in national development.
However, they acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, noting that families, workers, farmers, traders, transporters, youths, women, and vulnerable groups had experienced the impact of current economic realities.
“Leadership demands honesty, and the truth is that Nigeria is undergoing a necessary period of correction after years of accumulated fiscal, security, productivity, and development challenges,” they stated.
The governors expressed confidence that the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration would help stabilise the economy, attract investments, improve productivity, strengthen security, and create a more sustainable future for Nigerians.
They said their backing for President Tinubu was not based on political interests alone but on their belief in the need for continuity, stronger federal-state cooperation, and policies that encourage production, innovation, agriculture, and enterprise.
The governors consequently declared their full support for President Tinubu and the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027, describing the move as a commitment to national recovery, shared prosperity, democratic stability, and unity.
On insecurity, the governors expressed concern over persistent threats including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, attacks on schools, and other criminal activities.
They pledged stronger collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, school authorities, and local intelligence networks to protect citizens, secure schools, rescue victims, and bring criminals to justice.
The governors also condemned reported xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, calling for transparent investigations, protection of foreign residents, and justice in accordance with the law.
They urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides to consider the broader national interest, stressing that while the reform journey had been challenging, the country must decide whether to abandon ongoing efforts or continue working toward long-term solutions.
