2027: Why Tinubu Should Be Given Second Term — Lalong, First Lady

Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu have called for the continuation of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform programme beyond 2027, arguing that the policies require time for their expected benefits to fully emerge.

Lalong, a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, made the call while speaking at the National Summit of the Forum of All Progressives Congress Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (APC-FOPSHAN) held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

The summit brought together former and serving presiding officers of state legislatures and other political stakeholders under the theme, “Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope.”

Lalong said Tinubu had taken difficult economic decisions by removing the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in May 2023.

According to the former governor, the subsidy had placed a heavy financial burden on government while allowing the country to spend resources on the consumption of imported petroleum products.

He said the decision to remove the subsidy was difficult because of its immediate effect on households and businesses, but argued that political leaders needed to explain the reasons behind the policy to citizens.

Lalong said the focus should now be on ensuring that resources freed through the reforms are channelled into productive sectors that can increase economic activity and improve living conditions.

He identified agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, education, energy and technology as areas that require sustained investment.

The former governor also called for greater fiscal responsibility and stronger legislative oversight of government spending. He said lawmakers had a responsibility to ensure that public resources were properly used and that the concerns of citizens were considered during the implementation of economic policies.

Lalong said the reform process should move Nigeria towards greater productivity and investment rather than continued dependence on short-term government interventions.

He therefore urged Nigerians to support Tinubu for another term in office in 2027, saying the President should be allowed to continue and complete the reform programme his administration had started.

The First Lady also called for the consolidation of what she described as the gains of the Tinubu administration.

Oluremi Tinubu said the government had been working to reposition the Nigerian economy and create conditions for long-term national development.

She said nation-building was an ongoing process and that policies and programmes already introduced should be sustained for the benefit of both present and future generations.

The First Lady also acknowledged the forum’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, noting that the support came from former legislative leaders with experience in governance and lawmaking.

She thanked members of the forum for their support and encouraged former Speakers and Deputy Speakers to remain involved in public service even after leaving elective office.

According to her, former political office holders can continue to contribute through mentoring, sharing institutional knowledge, supporting democratic development and assisting younger legislators.

She also accepted her designation as Grand Patron of APC-FOPSHAN and commended the leadership of the organisation for bringing former legislative presiding officers together.

The First Lady expressed the hope that the summit would strengthen cooperation among its members and provide a platform for further contributions to national unity and democratic development.

The event comes as political parties and their supporters intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the continuation of the Federal Government’s economic reforms becoming part of the political debate surrounding the next presidential contest.