By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday secured the North-East’s endorsement for a second term as regional leaders pledged overwhelming votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.

The endorsement came when governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers and elder statesmen from the six North-East states paid a thank-you visit to the President at the State House, Abuja.

The visit followed Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice-President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The delegation was led by Borno Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Babagana Zulum, alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Zulum described Tinubu’s decision as a demonstration of confidence in the region and recognition of loyalty, competence and dedicated service.

“We are here for one overriding purpose, to show our appreciation and thank you most profoundly for the re-nomination of an accomplished son of our region, Sen. Kashim Shettima, as your vice-presidential running mate in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.

“By this decision, you have once again demonstrated your outstanding qualities as a leader who recognises and rewards loyalty, competence and commitment,” he said.

Zulum described Shettima as a dependable deputy who had served the President with distinction over the past three years, saying his retention reflected continuity, political maturity and strategic leadership.

He noted that although the APC’s zoning arrangement allowed Tinubu to choose a running mate from any of the three northern geopolitical zones, retaining Shettima had further strengthened the North-East’s confidence in the administration.

The governor also commended leaders from the North-West and North-Central for supporting the decision, describing their position as evidence of unity within the ruling party.

He praised Tinubu’s interventions in the North-East, citing the ongoing Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway, investments in agriculture, education and youth empowerment, and support for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons.

“We sincerely appreciate your efforts. We see and feel the impact of your administration and remain grateful for your commitment to the development of our region,” he said.

Zulum assured the President of the region’s unwavering support ahead of 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 North-East 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 North-East will massively deliver your presidential ticket and all APC candidates at every level,” he pledged.

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

“It is a great honour to be here today with my brothers and sisters from the North-East to publicly acknowledge the leadership, vision and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to reaffirm our commitment to partnering with him in moving Nigeria forward,” he said.

He added that although many members of the delegation were no longer active politicians, they would continue to explain government policies, build public confidence and mobilise support for the administration.

Responding, Tinubu described the endorsement as emotional and reassuring, saying it reflected the enduring partnership between his administration and the North-East.

He paid tribute to elder statesman and former National Chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, recalling his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The President thanked the stakeholders from the region for their confidence and pledged to consolidate ongoing reforms.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu said his administration had fulfilled key promises to the North-East, particularly in road infrastructure and security, while stressing that stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and states remained vital to defeating terrorism and banditry.

“I remember passionately asking for improvements in the road network in the North-East. 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.

The President expressed optimism that Nigerians would increasingly benefit from the gains of his administration’s economic 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.

Tinubu also defended his administration’s handling of pension obligations, saying it was clearing inherited liabilities neglected by previous governments.

“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,” he added.

Among those at the meeting were former Borno Governor, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-kanemi and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Aliyu Umar.

Others are the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. (NAN)

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