2027: Tinubu Deserves Re-Election – Ex-Lawmaker Urges Nigerians To Back Him

Former House of Representatives member, Sam Onuigbo, has urged members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to set aside personal political ambitions and unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.

According to Ireporter Online, Onuigbo, who is the President of Globe Legislators International, made the appeal while addressing APC stakeholders during the flag-off of the campaign for Tinubu’s second term at his country home in Odozi Obodo Hills, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the former federal lawmaker said the political situation had become more significant than it was when many party members initially joined the APC.

He attributed the development to what he described as bold economic and institutional reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Onuigbo maintained that Tinubu deserved the support of APC members and Nigerians to enable his administration consolidate policies and programmes already initiated since taking office.

The former lawmaker recalled that Tinubu campaigned on promises to reform the economy, address challenges associated with the foreign exchange market, attract foreign investment, remove fuel subsidy, diversify the economy and promote inclusive governance.

He noted that the President announced the removal of fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, shortly after taking the oath of office, despite widespread criticism from opposition parties.

According to Onuigbo, the reforms have had an impact on Nigeria’s fiscal position, particularly through increased allocations from the Federation Account to the three tiers of government.

He claimed that monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursements rose from about ₦711 billion in 2023 to ₦4.5 trillion in 2026, giving state governments substantially more resources to execute development projects.

Onuigbo also pointed to developments in the petroleum sector, claiming that domestic refining capacity had increased significantly since 2023, while crude oil production had also risen to more than 1.73 million barrels per day.

He further stated that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had grown considerably during the period, while more than ₦300 billion had reportedly been invested through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme.

The former lawmaker also attributed more than $50 billion in foreign direct investment to Tinubu’s international engagements, including what he claimed was about $20 billion attracted in 2026.

He argued that reforms to the foreign exchange system had removed what he described as a major barrier to foreign investment.

On economic growth, Onuigbo said Nigeria’s GDP growth had improved from 2.74 per cent in 2023 to 3.9 per cent in the first half of 2026. He attributed the growth largely to activities in the non-oil sector, including fintech, agriculture and solid minerals.

The former lawmaker also praised the Tinubu administration for what he described as increased attention to the South-East, citing appointments, infrastructure projects and the establishment of the South-East Development Commission.

He listed projects including the proposed Enugu-Port Harcourt rail connection, the approval and construction of Abia Airport, as well as the expansion of airports in Enugu and Owerri.

Onuigbo further commended the Federal Government for permitting South-East governors to take over the reconstruction of certain federal roads, with provisions for reimbursement.

He also highlighted the restoration of management courses at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, saying the decision had brought an end to years of uncertainty for students and staff.

According to him, the ongoing construction of the Federal Secretariat at Ekeoba Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area was another major achievement, particularly because the project commenced decades after the creation of Abia State.

While acknowledging that Nigeria still had challenges to overcome, Onuigbo argued that the Tinubu administration had made significant progress and should be given another term to consolidate its reforms and complete ongoing projects.

He therefore called on APC members and stakeholders to intensify preparations for the 2027 election and support the President’s re-election bid.

Onuigbo cautioned party members against allowing personal political ambitions to overshadow what he described as the broader objective of retaining Tinubu in office, stressing that the President’s second term should take precedence over individual political interests.