APC Forum, Others Endorse Tinubu, Fubara For Second Term

By Olakunle Olasanmi and Cynthia Onuado, Abuja

The APC Forum for Good Governance and Continuity and 500 other groups, have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara for second terms in office.

The endorsement was announced during a press conference in Abuja, where the forum presented what it described as an evidence-based assessment of the leaders’ performance in office.

The group highlighted Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate unification, and tax restructuring, which it said have begun to stabilise Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment.

In Rivers State, the forum praised Governor Fubara for restoring stability after initial political turbulence and for prioritising infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and agricultural initiatives to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil.

Chief Henry Awolabi, national coordinator of the APC Forum for Good Governance and Continuity, said the gathering was “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 added that the forum stands before the public “to present 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.”

The National Coordinator further stated: “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 noted that the removal of fuel subsidies “signalled the beginning of a new era of fiscal responsibility” and that subsequent monetary and fiscal reforms have helped restore investor confidence and reposition Nigeria globally.

The statement noted that President Tinubu’s administration has recorded consistent GDP growth exceeding 4 per cent by the close of 2025, improved exchange rate stability, and a steady decline in inflation, according to the forum.

It added that foreign reserves have surged, trade surpluses have expanded, and non-oil revenue generation has reached historic highs.

The forum acknowledged that reforms of this magnitude come with transitional challenges but emphasised that “nations are not transformed by comfort; they are transformed by courage.”

It declared that President Tinubu “chose courage” and that “today, Nigeria stands stronger for it.”

Awolabi added: “In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated leadership by navigating intense political turbulence and restoring stability while focusing on infrastructure expansion, including critical road projects that connect communities and stimulate commerce.

“The governor has also moved to complete numerous abandoned projects, initiated healthcare reforms to reposition general hospitals, and supported agricultural efforts to drive food security and economic diversification.”

The APC Forum described Fubara’s approach as defined by “prudence, administrative reform, and a people-first philosophy,” noting his restraint in the face of provocation and commitment in the face of adversity.

It stated that 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 stressed that nations do not progress by abandoning reform midway and that states do not develop by interrupting transformation.

It warned that the greatest danger to progress is inconsistency, noting that Nigeria is currently in the middle of a structural reset while Rivers State is undergoing a critical phase of stabilisation and reconstruction.

“We unequivocally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office,” the forum declared. “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 continued: “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.”