The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has described President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as one of the most formidable presidential tickets in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Yilwatda also declared that Tinubu deserves another term to consolidate the economic reforms and development projects introduced by his administration.
He made the remarks on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Presidential Campaign Rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The rally attracted party supporters, political stakeholders and members of the coalition from Rivers State and other parts of the South-South region as the APC intensifies mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman described the Tinubu-Shettima combination as a team built on political experience, courage and tested leadership.
He praised Tinubu for taking what he described as difficult but necessary decisions to address Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges.
According to Yilwatda, the President inherited an economy struggling with unsustainable fuel subsidy payments, revenue shortages and mounting financial obligations.
He said the removal of the fuel subsidy, the unification of the foreign exchange market and other economic adjustments were necessary steps towards strengthening public finances and creating a more sustainable economy.
Although he acknowledged that the reforms had placed pressure on households and businesses, he maintained that the administration was working to reduce their impact through social interventions, infrastructure investments and economic stabilisation measures.
APC chairman highlights infrastructure projects
Yilwatda also pointed to the administration’s infrastructure programme, particularly major highway projects designed to improve connectivity, boost trade and reduce transportation costs.
He described the proposed and ongoing superhighway projects as investments that would open up economic opportunities across different parts of the country.
According to him, the projects would support agriculture, commerce, industrial development and tourism while creating opportunities for future generations.
The APC chairman urged Nigerians to remain patient with the Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing that the country needed continuity to allow the reforms to deliver their expected benefits.
He described Tinubu as a reform-minded leader and said the 2027 election would give Nigerians an opportunity to decide whether the administration should continue with its policies.
Rivers leaders rally behind Tinubu
Turning to Rivers State, Yilwatda praised political leaders and members of the Rainbow Coalition for supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying the growing alliance cut across traditional party boundaries.
He specifically expressed confidence in the political influence of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and other political stakeholders.
The APC chairman predicted that Rivers State would deliver substantial support for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the coalition’s mobilisation efforts would bring together political interests across the state in support of the President.
Yilwatda expressed hope that another Tinubu administration would consolidate the ongoing reforms and spread the benefits of economic growth across the country.
