Tinubu Gets North-East Backing for 2027, Thanks to Shettima's Reappointment

In a significant display of solidarity, prominent leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone have pledged their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. This endorsement comes on the heels of the President's decision to retain Vice-President Kashim Shettima as his running mate. The leaders, comprising elder statesmen, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders, converged at the State House in Abuja to formally declare their backing for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. Led by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, the delegation commended President Tinubu for his administration's infrastructure projects, security interventions, and economic reforms, which they believe are transforming the region. Zulum, speaking on behalf of the delegation, expressed their gratitude to the President for re-nominating Shettima as his running mate, describing the move as a demonstration of confidence in the North-East. He praised Shettima as a dependable deputy who has served the President with distinction over the past three years. The Governor also lauded the federal government's interventions in the region, citing the ongoing construction of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway and investments in agriculture, education, and youth empowerment. Kingibe emphasized that the delegation represented respected leaders whose influence extends beyond politics, and they would continue to rally support for the administration. In his response, President Tinubu thanked the leaders for their endorsement, describing it as a testament to the partnership between his administration and the North-East. He paid tribute to former National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and pledged to consolidate ongoing reforms. The President emphasized the importance of collaboration between the federal government and the states in defeating terrorism and banditry, and expressed optimism about Nigeria's future, saying the country has entered a new phase of economic recovery.