2027: Why Tinubu Should Be Your Choice

By Adamu Yalwa Gabi, ANIPR

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership, economic reforms and development agenda deserve serious consideration by Nigerians.

Today, President Tinubu is at the helm of Nigeria's leadership, steering the country through a period of significant economic and structural reforms. While opinions differ over the impact of his policies, particularly given the economic difficulties currently confronting citizens, there is no denying that his administration has embarked on major reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth and development.

Although the immediate consequences of some of these policies have been painful, their long-term objectives are to establish a more productive, financially sustainable and economically resilient Nigeria.

A committed supporter of the Tinubu administration would argue that the President deserves another term to consolidate the reforms already initiated and address longstanding structural challenges that have hindered national development.

The question Nigerians should consider is this: What would the country's economic situation look like today if the difficult but necessary decisions had continued to be postponed?

Fuel Subsidy Removal: A Necessary Economic Decision

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the major contenders largely acknowledged the need to end Nigeria's costly fuel subsidy regime. President Tinubu subsequently implemented the policy, bringing an end to a system that had placed enormous pressure on public finances and attracted persistent allegations of corruption, inefficiency and abuse.

The resources previously committed to fuel subsidies have created additional fiscal space for governments to invest in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, agriculture and industrial development.

For years, the subsidy regime contributed to serious fiscal pressures, leaving many state governments struggling to meet salary obligations, fund capital projects and fulfil their budgetary responsibilities. Some states became heavily dependent on federal interventions to remain financially afloat.

In September this year, I watched an interview on Trust TV in which former presidential adviser to Tinubu and current National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, acknowledged the fiscal challenges surrounding the inherited fuel subsidy arrangement. His remarks reinforced the argument that the subsidy regime had become increasingly difficult to sustain.

One notable development following subsidy removal has been the reduction of fuel scarcity and the disappearance of the prolonged queues that frequently characterised Nigeria's filling stations in previous years.

The policy has also created opportunities for domestic refining by removing some of the market distortions associated with government-subsidised imported petroleum products. This has strengthened the business case for private investments, including the Dangote Refinery, and opened up opportunities for greater domestic production.

Furthermore, the removal of the subsidy has reduced the incentive for cross-border fuel smuggling associated with price differences between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

However, the government must continue to address the hardship arising from higher transport costs and the increased cost of living by ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in citizens' welfare.

Decisive Efforts Against Insecurity

President Tinubu's approach to national security is another important consideration in assessing his administration.

Nigeria continues to confront serious security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and communal violence. Nevertheless, the administration has pursued several initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's security architecture.

These include enhanced security cooperation with international partners, including the United States, as well as efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering, military operations and community-based security arrangements.

The reported US-supported military operation against terrorist targets in Sokoto State also demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in confronting transnational security threats.

Another initiative is the proposed establishment of the Nigerian National Forest Guard, alongside efforts to recruit and deploy forest security personnel to deny criminal groups safe havens in forested areas.

The ongoing debate and legislative process surrounding state police also represent an important development. With several state Houses of Assembly reportedly advancing the proposal, Nigeria appears to be moving closer to a decentralised policing arrangement.

State police, if properly structured and constitutionally safeguarded, could improve intelligence gathering, strengthen local responses to security threats and reduce the pressure on the overstretched federal policing system.

It is equally important to acknowledge that insecurity remains a major national concern. The administration must therefore demonstrate measurable improvements in protecting lives and property, particularly in communities that continue to suffer attacks.

Recently, I came across a comment by human rights activist and former Senator Shehu Sani, who argued that the North remained relatively silent about banditry during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration but has become more vocal in criticising Tinubu over the same challenge.

This observation raises an important question: Why should the history of insecurity in Nigeria be discussed without acknowledging the circumstances under which the problem emerged and persisted?

National security should not be treated as a partisan issue. Every administration must be assessed fairly, based on its response to the challenges it inherited and the results it delivers.

Increased Federal Allocations and Grassroots Development

Another development under the Tinubu administration is the increased revenue allocation available to state governments following the removal of fuel subsidies and changes in federal revenue distribution.

This has provided many states with greater financial resources to meet their obligations and pursue development projects.

However, increased allocations should come with greater accountability. State governments must demonstrate how the additional resources are being translated into better roads, improved healthcare, quality education, employment opportunities and other essential services for citizens.

The responsibility for national development does not rest solely with the Federal Government. State and local governments must also play their respective roles in improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Student Support and Social Intervention

The administration's student loan initiative and other social intervention programmes also deserve consideration.

For many Nigerian families, financing university education has become increasingly difficult due to rising living costs and economic pressures.

The introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) represents an attempt to reduce financial barriers to higher education and provide eligible students with access to educational funding.

In a recent political discussion, I spoke with someone whose daughter is studying at a university. He told me that she receives a monthly upkeep allowance of ₦20,000 under a government-supported intervention and occasionally shares part of the money with him.

Although this is an individual experience rather than a measure of the programme's overall impact, it illustrates how social intervention policies can make a difference in the lives of beneficiaries and their families.

Such initiatives should be strengthened, properly monitored and expanded to reach more deserving Nigerians.

Why Tinubu Deserves Another Chance

Elections are ultimately about choices, performance, accountability and the future a country desires.

President Tinubu's administration has made difficult economic decisions, initiated structural reforms and pursued policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria's fiscal position and creating opportunities for long-term development.

Admittedly, the economic hardship confronting ordinary Nigerians cannot be ignored. Millions of citizens are still struggling with the cost of food, transportation, healthcare and other basic necessities. These concerns deserve urgent attention.

However, the argument for continuity is that major structural reforms require consistency, effective implementation and sufficient time to deliver their intended results.

Abandoning reforms without carefully considering their long-term implications could create further uncertainty and undermine the progress already made.

For these reasons, I believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves serious consideration for another term in 2027.

His administration must, however, use the remaining period of its first term to demonstrate greater commitment to economic recovery, security, employment creation, infrastructure and improved living standards.

Ultimately, Nigerians will make their decisions based on their experiences, expectations and assessment of the available alternatives.

But if the objective is to consolidate ongoing reforms, strengthen national institutions and pursue the promise of a more prosperous Nigeria, then continuity under President Tinubu remains a compelling option.

Insha Allah, Jagaba Ya Yi Gaba!

Adamu Yalwa Gabi, ANIPR, is a journalist and public affairs commentator based in Bauchi. He can be reached via adamumgabi@gmail.com or +234 803 399 0884.