2027: Tinubu Has Rescued Nigeria’s Economy, Second Term Will Be Harvest – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday declared that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rescued Nigeria’s economy after completing what he described as the most difficult phase of its economic reforms, assuring Nigerians that a second term would be dedicated to delivering the benefits of the sacrifices already made.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, Shettima urged Nigerians to renew the mandate of President Tinubu in the 2027 general election, insisting that the administration’s economic reset had laid a solid foundation for nationwide prosperity.

He said, “We are confident of this promise to deliver for this nation because we have already done the most difficult job of economic reset. None of the other options available has the capacity to move the needle of the economy. We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians.

“I therefore stand before you today to ask you, once again, to renew the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and myself as Vice President. And another term for Senator Bassey Edet Otu and Hon. Peter Odey as Governor and Deputy Governor of Cross River State, respectively.”

The Vice President described the APC as a party committed to progress, prosperity and opportunity, maintaining that the administration was seeking another term to consolidate its achievements while remaining accountable to Nigerians.

According to him, the discipline and unity within the APC in Cross River State had translated into effective governance, adding that the Federal Government initiated the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to unlock the state’s economic potential and improve connectivity, tourism and investment.

Shettima also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Bakassi Deep Sea Port project, saying it would serve as an international maritime gateway capable of attracting global shipping companies, creating jobs and stimulating industrial development.

He further assured the people of Cross River that the Federal Government was committed to resolving the long-standing dispute over the state’s 46 oil wells, a move he said would strengthen its maritime economy and improve access to derivation benefits.

On education, the Vice President said Cross River had benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), stressing that no child should be denied higher education because of financial challenges, while also highlighting the administration’s commitment to improving foundational education through Project HOPE.

Shettima acknowledged the hardship many Nigerians have endured during the reform process but assured citizens that the government would continue to listen to their concerns, address areas of neglect and ensure that the gains of the reforms translate into improved living conditions.

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said President Tinubu deserved another term, citing key infrastructure projects, including the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, the resuscitation of the Calabar Port and the Trans-Sahara Superhighway, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national development.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, also endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election, saying the administration’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security were already yielding positive results and would deliver greater prosperity in the years ahead.