Tinubu Asks Nigerians to Re-Elect Him, Says Second Term Needed to Complete Reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday appealed directly to Nigerians to return him to office in the 2027 presidential election, saying his administration has laid the foundation for national recovery and deserves another mandate to complete the job.

Speaking at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna, Tinubu urged eligible voters across the country to support him and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the polls.

The President acknowledged that many Nigerians were passing through difficult economic times but insisted that the reforms introduced by his administration were beginning to yield results and would bring lasting benefits.

“I know the road has been hard. I hear you. Your sacrifices will not be in vain, and I will not rest until the progress we are making is felt in your homes, your businesses and your pockets,” Tinubu said.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, Tinubu said the choice before Nigerians in the 2027 election was whether to continue with reforms aimed at rebuilding the economy or return to policies that failed the country.

He accused opposition politicians of being responsible for many of the challenges they now criticise.

“My opponents talk about hunger and poverty. I asked the crowd today who created these problems. They did. We are the ones working to eradicate them,” he said.

The President defended his administration’s economic policies, saying they had ended long-standing abuses associated with the fuel subsidy regime.

“The subsidy racket, fraudulent invoices and fuel smuggling are firmly behind us, and there is no going back. We confronted what we inherited with courage and political will, and we are building an economy that rewards hard work and creates opportunities for our people,” he stated.

Tinubu said APC governors were already using increased revenues from the reforms to improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure and social development projects.

“Our progressive governors are building roads, hospitals, schools and markets across their states, supported by increased revenues from the reforms we undertook. Salaries are being paid regularly, and development is taking shape. I am proud of what they are delivering for our people,” he added.

The President described the turnout at the campaign flag-off as a strong vote of confidence in his administration.

“Three years ago, you gave me the privilege of serving as your President. Today, you filled this city again, hundreds of thousands of you from across the North, and I felt the warmth of your support,” he said.

Tinubu, who attended the event with Vice President Kashim Shettima and their wives, also reflected on Kaduna’s historic role in Nigeria’s political development and prayed for the country’s founding leaders.

As the campaign gathered momentum, the President made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to vote for continuity.

“On January 16, 2027, come out with your PVCs and give Vice President Kashim Shettima and me the mandate to finish what we started. Your future is in your hands, and your fingerprints at the ballot will help determine it,” he urged.