South West leaders endorse Tinubu’s re-election bid, laud economic reforms

South West leaders endorse Tinubu’s re-election bid, laud economic reforms

Political leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders from the South West have declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing his administration’s developmental strides and economic reforms.

The endorsement came during the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue held in Akure, Ondo State, with the theme: “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.”

Speaking at the event, former interim national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, said the country’s economy was being re-engineered through tax reforms, harmonisation of revenue collection, rationalisation of expenditure and the creation of a structure that rewards productivity.

“These reforms are demanding. They test our patience and stretch our resilience,” Akande said. “But President Tinubu is committed to breaking the cycle of dependency and dysfunction. He seeks shared sacrifice, not blind loyalty.”

Host governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, announced the state’s decision to support Tinubu’s re-election, citing the President’s impact on the state through various federal projects.

He listed ongoing initiatives such as the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (with a 71-kilometre stretch in Ondo), the proposed Ilaje Deep Sea Port, the NDDC/Ode-Erinje Transmission Line and Substation, the Akure–Ado-Ekiti Dual Carriageway, and the Ore–Ondo–Akure and Benin–Ofosu–Ore highways.

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Other projects include the planned 1,000 Federal Housing Authority units, the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, and a proposed aviation school in Ondo State.

“These collaborations demonstrate the maturing of our democracy,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Our people are beginning to feel a sense of ownership in governance.”

Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Senator Femi Okunrounmu, urged unity among Yoruba people and called on ministers from the region to advocate equitable distribution of federal resources.

“As an elder, I say party politics must never again divide Yoruba solidarity,” Fasoranti said. “We must embrace constructive dialogue and place our people’s interest above partisan politics.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for a unified regional agenda to promote inclusive growth and strengthen democracy.

“The South West has always led in governance, education and innovation. We must continue to serve as a model for other regions,” he said.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reaffirmed the state’s support for Tinubu’s administration beyond 2027, stressing the importance of dialogue and collaboration in deepening democracy.

Traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, also pledged support for the President. They called for continued engagement among leaders and commended federal projects aimed at boosting the region’s economy.

Ministers present at the event included Mr Wale Edun (Finance), Mr Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy), Mr Adebayo Adelabu (Power), and Dr Adekunle Salako (State for Health and Social Welfare), who gave accounts of their stewardship under the Tinubu administration.

Other dignitaries included Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami; Osun State Deputy Governor, Mr Kola Adewusi; Ekiti State Secretary to the Government, Dr Habibat Omolara Adubiaro; former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; members of the Ondo State Executive Council; APC chieftains; union leaders; and heads of security agencies.

South West leaders endorse Tinubu’s re-election bid, laud economic reforms