2027: Ex-Sokoto dep gov urges North to back Tinubu

A former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar Shagari, has urged northerners to vote massively for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, citing infrastructure development and ongoing government reforms as reasons to support his re-election bid.

Shagari, who is also a former Minister of Water Resources and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, made the call while congratulating Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and other party stakeholders on the successful presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State on Saturday.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, and made available to newsmen on Monday, Shagari described the gathering as a demonstration of the APC’s organisational strength, unity and determination to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He said the turnout of party leaders, northern governors, stakeholders and grassroots supporters underscored the region’s importance in the country’s political landscape.

Shagari commended the APC leadership and other stakeholders for their roles in organising the event, stressing that sustained cooperation, internal cohesion and effective communication with citizens would be critical to the party’s electoral success.

He expressed optimism that Tinubu would secure substantial support from northern voters in 2027, urging the Federal Government to strengthen its engagement with Nigerians and ensure that its policies translate into tangible improvements in their living conditions.

The former minister also congratulated Tinubu on the commissioning of the Kaduna-Abuja dual carriageway, describing the project as a significant infrastructure achievement that would improve transportation and facilitate commercial activities.

“I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Kaduna-Abuja road project and the efforts made to improve critical infrastructure across the country.

“A functional road network is essential to economic growth because it facilitates the movement of people, goods and services while reducing the difficulties faced by commuters and businesses,” he said.

According to him, investments in roads, transportation and other public infrastructure would boost economic activities, create employment opportunities and improve the ease of doing business.

He noted that farmers, small-scale traders, transport operators and other economic players stood to benefit from an efficient transportation network.

Shagari, however, urged the Federal Government to sustain its infrastructure development drive while prioritising security, economic stability, employment generation and social protection.

He said the success of any administration depended largely on its ability to deliver tangible benefits to the people.

The former deputy governor added that a second term for Tinubu would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing projects, strengthen existing reforms and pursue further development initiatives.

He stressed that political support must be matched by responsive leadership, transparency, accountability and continuous engagement with citizens.

“Nigerians expect governance to produce visible improvements in their livelihoods,” he said.

Shagari urged northerners to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence that continuity in government would help consolidate ongoing development projects and advance national development.

Turning to Sokoto State, the former deputy governor commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, social welfare, human capital development and policies aimed at improving the lives of residents.

He said sustained investment in these areas remained essential to improving living standards and promoting development across the state.