The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu remains focused on delivering economic development and improving the lives of Nigerians rather than the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, made this known in a statement on X on Friday, emphasizing that the President’s priority is enacting reforms that yield positive economic results.
“President Tinubu is not worried about the next election. He’s concerned about the shared prosperity he can bring to Nigerians. He is focused on ensuring that his reforms yield the necessary impact and on the future of Nigeria’s economy,” Dare stated.
The remarks come amid rising political tensions and economic challenges in the country. Efforts to form a coalition to challenge Tinubu in the next election are gaining momentum, with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai recently defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Dare highlighted economic indicators, asserting that foreign reserves have increased, inflation has declined, trade surplus has improved, and over $50 billion in investments have been attracted. He also noted that commodity prices were beginning to drop.
“We have clear data, and we have a President who is firmly in the driver’s seat, committed to staying the course on his decisions. The next election is not his focus; rather, it is ensuring that by the end of his first term, he can confidently say he has transformed the economy and impacted the lives of Nigerians,” he added.
Amid ongoing economic hardship, President Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to running a responsive government. Speaking at a meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Friday, Tinubu reaffirmed his tough economic decisions, including the removal of petroleum subsidies upon assuming office in 2023.
“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was a hard decision, but it was necessary. We cannot afford to bankrupt our country,” he stated in a release issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
The President also pointed to increased competition in the petroleum sector, improved agricultural output, and a steady influx of foreign investments as signs of economic progress. He assured Nigerians of his administration’s dedication to fostering a stable and prosperous nation.
