A prominent media support group has defended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s freshly secured 2027 re-election ticket, arguing that his sweeping economic reforms will eventually yield long-term benefits for the country despite widespread public anger over rising inflation.
The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) described the president’s victory at the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries as “well-deserved.”Mr. Tinubu secured a dominant victory in the ruling party’s nationwide direct primary, clearing the path to contest a second term in office next January. However, the endorsement comes at a volatile time for Africa’s most populous nation, where aggressive economic overhauls have drastically increased the cost of living.
‘Necessary Pain’
In a statement signed by TMV Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Segun Ogedengbe, the group acknowledged that the administration’s policies have caused significant public distress.”While it is true that the generality of Nigerians are going through pains due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the harmonisation of the forex window, we believe that the reforms are necessary to restore the country to the path of growth and development,” the statement said. Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has floated the local currency, the naira, and abolished a decades-old, multi-billion-dollar petrol subsidy. The measures were intended to prevent a fiscal collapse and attract foreign investment, but they have instead triggered soaring fuel costs and driven inflation to historic highs.Defending the administration’s track record, the TMV stated that a second term would allow Mr. Tinubu to “cement his achievements.”The group pointed to key initiatives as signs of progress, including:A newly established national student loan fund, the consumer credit scheme (CrediCorp), increased monthly federal allocations to state governments, massive infrastructure spending in roads, power, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
A Challenging Road Ahead
The campaign group also highlighted recent messaging from the president himself, noting that Mr. Tinubu had acknowledged in a recent “thank you” address that the national journey has been challenging, though he maintained the future remains promising.
The political stakes are high as the country looks toward the general elections. Mr. Tinubu is expected to face a fractured but determined opposition, including Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Despite opposition challenges, the ruling party’s media wing remains confident. “The Renewed Hope Agenda, if religiously implemented, has the potential to transform the country remarkably,” the TMV statement added, appealing to voters to sustain their support for the administration ahead of the polls.
Add Comment