Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, have defended President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, arguing that ongoing economic reforms require additional time to achieve their intended outcomes.
The position was presented at the National Summit of the Forum of All Progressives Congress Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly (APC-FOPSHAN) held in Abuja, where participants discussed governance, economic reforms and the future direction of the ruling party.
Speaking at the event, Lalong, who served as Director-General of Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, said the administration had taken difficult but necessary decisions aimed at restructuring the economy. According to him, Nigerians should allow the reforms to mature before making judgments about their long-term impact.
A central aspect of his remarks focused on the removal of petrol subsidy, one of the administration’s earliest policy decisions. Lalong acknowledged that the policy generated immediate economic hardship but maintained that it was designed to redirect public resources toward productive investments and long-term development.
He urged political leaders and stakeholders to actively explain government policies to citizens, arguing that communication and public engagement are essential to ensuring greater understanding of ongoing reforms.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also addressed the gathering, stating that the administration had laid foundations intended to support sustainable development and future economic growth. She described the endorsement from former state assembly leaders as significant because of their experience in governance and public administration.
The summit concluded with a unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term. Members of the forum pledged to mobilise support across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory while promoting awareness of government policies and programmes.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of ongoing national debates over economic reforms, cost-of-living pressures and the broader direction of government policy. Supporters of the administration argue that reforms require patience to produce results, while critics continue to question their immediate impact on citizens.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, endorsements and counterarguments from various political actors are expected to shape public discourse around governance, economic management and national development priorities.
