Gbajabiamila Urges Nigerians to Let Tinubu Finish His Agenda Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has appealed to citizens across Nigeria—particularly those in the North—to support President Tinubu in continuing his current administration until its conclusion. The appeal comes as political conversations begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gbajabiamila made the statement during a strategic dialogue session organized by the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators, held on Saturday in Abuja.

“President Tinubu is not just a leader of the South. He is a national figure who has demonstrated inclusive governance. From significant infrastructure projects to essential policy reforms, the North has been equally considered and is reaping the benefits of a government committed to fairness and national prosperity,” Gbajabiamila explained.

He further emphasized the need to allow Tinubu to continue and complete the foundational reforms that have been introduced.

“We are laying strong and lasting foundations today. It is only just and fair that the President be given the chance to complete what he has begun,” he added.

Economic Backlash Amid Political Endorsement

Gbajabiamila’s statement comes amid growing criticism surrounding the current economic climate under President Tinubu’s leadership. While he advocates for continuity in governance, discontent is escalating among citizens grappling with soaring inflation, food insecurity, and poverty.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), openly criticized the federal government over its economic mismanagement. In a viral video making rounds online, Fayemi stated:

“Let’s not deceive ourselves; Nigerians are clearly dissatisfied with the Tinubu-led administration due to the persistent hunger and harsh economic conditions.”

The root of the economic grievances can be traced to Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange rate unification policy shortly after taking office in 2023. These decisions, while framed as reformative, have significantly contributed to:

• A surge in pump prices from ₦145 to over ₦900 per litre
• The free fall of the naira to approximately ₦1,500 per US dollar
• A national inflation rate now sitting at 23.7%, a recalculated drop from the earlier 34% after GDP rebasing

World Bank Flags Rising Poverty in Nigeria

According to the World Bank’s Africa Pulse Report released in April 2025, Nigeria currently holds the highest number of people living in extreme poverty globally. The report warned that, if left unaddressed, millions more Nigerians may fall below the poverty line by 2027, directly challenging the promises of shared prosperity made by the Tinubu administration.

Despite these challenges, Gbajabiamila remains confident in Tinubu’s leadership and vision. His endorsement highlights an ongoing political alignment within APC, though it stands in contrast to the deep economic dissatisfaction being voiced by citizens and even fellow party members.