North East Leaders Endorse Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

President Bola Tinubu has received a major boost ahead of the 2027 general election as political leaders from the North East zone unanimously endorsed his re-election bid and pledged to deliver overwhelming votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement came when governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, elder politicians and other stakeholders from the six northeast states paid a thank-you visit to the President at the State House, Abuja, following his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The delegation was led by Borno State governor and chairman of the Northeast Governors’ Forum, Prof. Babagana Zulum, alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Zulum said the President’s decision to retain Shettima reflected confidence in the Northeast and recognition of loyalty, competence and commitment to service.

He said the move had further strengthened the region’s confidence in the Tinubu administration, noting that although the APC’s zoning arrangement gave the President the discretion to choose a running mate from any of the three northern geopolitical zones, he opted to retain Shettima.

Zulum also commended leaders from the Northwest and North-Central for supporting the decision, describing it as a demonstration of unity within the ruling party.

The Borno governor lauded the Federal Government’s interventions in the Northeast, citing the ongoing construction of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway, investments in agriculture, education, youth empowerment and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons as evidence of the administration’s commitment to rebuilding the region.

He assured the President that the Northeast would mobilise massive grassroots support for the APC in the next general election.

“On behalf of the governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, party leaders, women, youths and our teeming supporters, I assure Your Excellency that the Northeast remains solidly behind your administration.

“We will continue to support your policies and programmes and mobilise our people at the grassroots to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“By the grace of God, come 2027, the Northeast will massively deliver your presidential ticket and all APC candidates at every level,” Zulum pledged.

Earlier, Kingibe said the delegation consisted of respected leaders whose influence extended beyond partisan politics and who remained trusted voices across the region.

He said they had come to acknowledge Tinubu’s leadership and reaffirm their commitment to partnering with his administration in moving Nigeria forward.

Responding, President Tinubu described the endorsement as emotional and reassuring, saying it reflected the enduring partnership between his administration and the Northeast.

The President thanked governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other leaders from the region for their confidence, promising to consolidate ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.

“As a President nominated for a second term, I hold democracy, consistency, dedication and steadfastness very dearly. Our focus is to stabilise the country, strengthen the polity and grow the economy. The economy is already stabilised,” Tinubu said.

The President also highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and security in the Northeast, saying the Federal Government had fulfilled key promises on road development while continuing to work with state governments to tackle terrorism and banditry.

“I remember passionately asking for improvements in the road network in the Northeast. We have started that journey and fulfilled that promise.

“I have seen the challenges posed by terrorism and banditry, but I have also seen what our collaboration can achieve. Only by standing together and thinking together can we overcome these challenges as one united nation,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the country’s economic direction, Tinubu said Nigerians would increasingly benefit from the gains of ongoing reforms.

“The golden age is here. Once the economy is stabilised, Nigerians are not asking for too much. They want stability, social welfare and a better life,” he said.

The President also defended his administration’s handling of pension obligations, saying it was addressing inherited liabilities that previous governments had neglected.

“We have our hands on the plough, and we are not looking back. Through the twists and turns of our democracy, Nigeria will survive. We will continue to find strength in our unity in diversity and chart a path of democratic stability and prosperity,” Tinubu added.

Among those at the meeting were former Borno State Governor and APC stalwart, Ali Modu Sheriff; former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Moddibo Umar; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris