2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: NIGERIANS URGED TO REMAIN CALM AND SUPPORT PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
By Musa Bakare
In the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “In the face of storm, we shall remain calm. When the stage is set, we shall display the idea that stood us apart.”
This statement of the President is the summary of his excellent approach to handling agelong critical political and economic issues bedevilling the country since the attainment of independence.
However, as we move steadily towards the 2027 presidential election towards retaining and sustaining the tempo, Nigerians are encouraged
to remain calm and resilient in the face of national challenges, renew our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid.
Nigerians all over the world have seen President Tinubu as a leader who has demonstrated remarkable composure and decisiveness during turbulent times, while several previous administrations struggled with critical national issues, Tinubu has successfully crossed longstanding so called “red lines” without succumbing to political or social pressures.
A key example is the removal of the petrol subsidy, a politically sensitive policy that had persisted for over five decades under both military and civilian governments.
Previous leaders, including five military generals are said to have spent over $230 billion on subsidizing fuel without addressing the underlying economic distortions. President Tinubu, however, delivered on his campaign promise to end the subsidy shortly after taking office.
Throughout 2023, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) organized multiple nationwide protests, leading to significant disruptions. Agitations, often escalated into violent confrontations. Nevertheless, Tinubu remained resolute and undaunted, resisting calls to reinstate the subsidy, and thereby avoiding a deeper plunge of the country into unsustainable national debt.
In the power sector, the Tinubu administration introduced the Band A electricity pricing model, aimed at reducing the burden of subsidies on power. Industry experts had pointed out that power generation companies were owed over N4 trillion in unpaid subsidies. With the Band A initiative, the government seeks to double transmission capacity, expand customer metering, and attract private investment across the power value chain.
Politically, President Tinubu defied traditional barriers by successfully running a Muslim-Muslim ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2023 presidential elections. Despite initial backlash from sections of the Christian community, the victory at the polls has been cited as evidence of growing national maturity beyond religious, ethnic divisions and increasing national unity.
Economically, Tinubu assumed office facing a heavily constrained external reserve base, with only $3 billion available in net reserves.
Confronted with an unsustainable system of defending the naira, his administration floated the currency. Although the naira initially plunged to over ₦2,000 against the dollar, subsequent government measures have begun to stabilize the market, contrary to predictions of economic collapse by some political alarmists .
By confronting issues often avoided by his predecessors, from fuel and electricity subsidies to currency market reforms,Tinubu remains calm undaunted and decisive where previous leaders retreated.
Nigerians have now seen President Tinubu as laying the solid foundation for long term national stability and survival. They believe with President Tinubu that patience, understanding, and calmness are essential virtues for Nigerians seeking to reap the full benefits of these reforms.
Political calmness is a rare character trait among many Nigerian politicians. However, with President Tinubu, Nigerians must learn to remain calm and calculated. President Tinubu has shown that storms can be weathered with focus and inner peace.
As the 2027 election approaches, the message to citizens is clear: the political landscape should be shaped not by fear or agitation, but by hope, resilience, and a collective determination to consolidate the gains made under President Tinubu’s first term in office.
Musa Asiru Bakare member Tinubu Support Group (TSG) writes from Lokoja Kogi state capital
28th April, 2025
