By EMMANUEL MOGBEDE

The National Councillors’ Forum of Nigeria, an umbrella body for serving and former councillors across the federation, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Dr Evoh Nwikegwu, President of the forum, consisting of no fewer than, 8,809 councillors, made the declaration at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nwikegwu, the councilor representing Ohaozara Local Government Area in Ebonyi, said Tinubu had demonstrated courage, competence, and commitment to be re-elected in 2027 and should be supported by all.

According to him, Tinubu is steadily taking Nigeria through the path of progress and development with his various reforms and policies.

“Nigeria is on the path of progress, our democracy is growing, our institutions are being strengthened, our communities are rising. Let us remain united, focused and stay the course,” he said.

Nwikegwu said that since Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria has witnessed bold, courageous, and forward-looking leadership with great and impacting policies.

This, he said, included the restoration of local government autonomy, improved funding and accountability at the grassroots, and expansion of social investment programmes.

He said the president had also ensured major investments in infrastructure and security as well as strategic reforms in agriculture and economic management.

Nwikegwu added that Tinubu’s effort at improving manpower and welfare for security personnel, had led to decisive leadership in tackling terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in the country.

“These policies are not mere promises; they are realities that are transforming lives in our communities.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is no longer a slogan. It is a living testimony in towns, villages, and wards across Nigeria.

“These interventions have brought renewed confidence to our people and created safer environments for economic and social activities,’’ he said.

The forum’s president added that re-electing Tinubu in 2027, would afford him the opportunity to consolidate and complete the great work he had started.

Speaking on the strength of the forum, Nwikegwu said it is one of the largest and most influential grassroots political structures in Nigeria.

“We are the custodians of grassroots governance and the closest arm of government to the people.

“We feel their pains, understand their aspirations, and work daily to translate government policies into real impact at the community level.

“From urban centres to the most remote villages, our presence is felt, our voices are heard, and our commitment to national development is unwavering.

“Today, we speak with one united voice,’’ he said.

He added that, as grassroots leaders, members of the forum had consulted widely across the country and had listened to voices of Nigerians in various communities.

He said the forum had evaluated the performance of the Tinubu-led administration, based on facts, evidence, and realities on ground and had unanimously decided to declare support for his re-election in 2027.

“We stand solidly behind Mr President, we believe he has laid a strong foundation for national prosperity and has demonstrated courage, competence, and commitment.

“We believe he deserves the opportunity to consolidate and complete the great work he has started,” he said.

Nwikegwu called on serving and former councillors, ward leaders, coordinators and community stakeholders to mobilise support to ensure Tinubu’s re-election.

“We must organise, mobilise, and enlighten our people; we must take this message to every polling unit, wards, and every household.

“Together, we shall ensure that the voice of the grassroots remains the strongest voice in Nigerian democracy,” he said. (NAN)