The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has recorded enough achievements to seek the support of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio said the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government inherited a difficult economic situation when it assumed office in 2023 but had taken steps to improve the country’s economy and other sectors.
The Senate President also expressed confidence that Nigerians would re-elect Tinubu for a second term in office, saying the administration would have enough to present to voters when campaigns for the 2027 elections begin.
Akpabio spoke on Monday when members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund and NELFund, led by its Chairman, Senator Dandutse Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
His Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Akpabio, the Tinubu administration inherited an economy in poor condition, with 27 states allegedly unable to pay workers’ salaries and pensions when the President assumed office.
He said the situation had changed as a result of what he described as Tinubu’s economic reforms and innovative approach to governance.
“The current President has done a lot for Nigerians. He met an economy in shambles. When he came in, 27 states could not pay salaries and pensions, but today, the story has changed because of his reengineering and thinking out of the box,” Akpabio said.
He predicted that Tinubu would secure another term in office in 2027, urging Nigerians to compare the records of the current administration with those of its opponents before making their choice.
“In 2027, Nigerians will separate the chaff from the grains and re-elect President Tinubu for a second term in office,” he said.
Akpabio also praised Tinubu for introducing what he described as new ideas and innovations into the running of the country.
He said the APC would use the achievements of the administration as a major part of its campaign message ahead of the next presidential election.
“We have a President who thinks outside the box, bringing about innovation. We will have something to tell Nigerians about the unprecedented achievements of Mr President at the campaign grounds,” the Senate President said.
He also took a swipe at opposition politicians, arguing that some of those seeking to challenge Tinubu in 2027 had little to show for their time in public office.
“Someone who is challenging him cannot even tell us what he did when he was governor,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President, who was a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, said he would also be able to present his own record of achievements as governor.
“I can tell you what I did when I was the governor of my state. We will tell them a lot,” he said.
Akpabio further claimed that opposition politicians were aware of the achievements of the Tinubu administration in several areas but were unwilling to acknowledge them because of their political positions.
“Those in the opposition know too well the achievements of this government in the area of the economy, agriculture, security, education and fiscal policy, but because they are in the opposition, they won’t say it,” he added.
The Tinubu administration, which came into office in May 2023, has introduced a number of major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.
The reforms were introduced as part of efforts to reduce government spending, improve public finances and attract investment. However, they have also led to increased living costs and widespread concerns over inflation and the purchasing power of households.
The government has continued to defend the reforms, arguing that they are necessary to correct long-standing weaknesses in the Nigerian economy.
The administration has also introduced measures in agriculture, education and social investment, while continuing to face criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over insecurity, economic hardship and the high cost of living.
Against this background, the 2027 election is expected to be heavily contested, with the APC likely to make the performance of the Tinubu administration a major part of its campaign.
Akpabio also defended the performance of the 10th National Assembly, saying the Senate had passed laws aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
He said the Senate under his leadership had recorded “giant strides” and would continue to work with the executive arm of government.
“The 10th Senate under my leadership has made giant strides, and we are very proud of it. We will continue to collaborate with the Executive arm of government to achieve more for Nigerians,” he said.
The Senate President made the remarks while commending members of the committee for continuing their legislative and oversight duties during the National Assembly’s annual recess.
He said lawmakers were still carrying out their responsibilities despite being on vacation, pointing to the committee’s visit to Akwa Ibom as evidence.
“Even in this period of our annual vacation, you are here in Uyo doing your job. We don’t need to listen to social media because it is garbage in, garbage out,” Akpabio said.
He also urged lawmakers who may not return to the 11th Senate after the 2027 elections to remain committed to the APC and the Tinubu administration.
Akpabio assured them that their loyalty and contributions to the party and administration would be recognised.
He encouraged them to continue supporting the government and contributing to its programmes, regardless of whether they would secure another term in the Senate.
Earlier, Mohammed explained that the committee’s visit was part of its constitutional responsibilities and an opportunity to pay homage to the Senate President.
He praised Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate and said the National Assembly had passed laws that were already benefiting Nigerians.
“We are here today for a very important constitutional responsibility and to pay homage to our leader, the Senate President of the Republic of Nigeria. Under your leadership, we have enacted laws that are benefiting the Nigerian masses,” Mohammed said.
He specifically highlighted the activities of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFund, saying they had brought relief to students and parents.
“Nigerian parents are happy because of TETFund and NELFund,” he said.
The committee chairman said the lawmakers were in Akwa Ibom as part of their sensitisation and oversight activities, including inspecting infrastructure projects funded by TETFund.
He thanked Akpabio for his support and described education as a key factor in the development of the country.
“This law is fundamental to the success story of the development of Nigeria, because education is key to success,” Mohammed said.
TETFund provides funding for infrastructure and other development needs in public tertiary institutions, while NELFund was established to provide loans and financial support to eligible Nigerian students.
The activities of both institutions have become an important part of the Federal Government’s education policy, particularly as rising education costs continue to put pressure on families.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Akpabio’s remarks underline the growing focus on the performance of the Tinubu administration and the efforts by the APC to build a campaign around its record in office.
The opposition is expected to challenge the government’s claims and campaign on issues including the economy, security, unemployment and the cost of living.