Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Interior Minister has praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing difficult economic reforms aimed at preventing Nigeria’s financial collapse, calling on citizens to support the administration’s continuation past the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the 2026 National Summit of Former Legislators in Abuja—an event themed “National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031″—Tunji-Ojo characterized Tinubu as a leader willing to make unpopular but necessary choices for Nigeria’s long-term stability.
The minister highlighted the severe fiscal challenges facing Nigeria before Tinubu took office in 2023. He revealed that in 2022 alone, the government allocated approximately $30 billion toward fuel and foreign exchange subsidies, while debt servicing consumed over 92 percent of national revenue.
“The future of Nigeria is at stake in 2027, and we must make the right decision,” Tunji-Ojo said, breaking down the subsidy expenditure to about $20 billion for fuel and over $10 billion for foreign exchange. He described these spending levels as financially untenable and threatening to the nation’s future.
Tunji-Ojo commended Tinubu for removing these subsidies shortly after taking office—a politically controversial move that previous presidents avoided even during second terms when they had less to lose electorally.
“This President made extremely tough choices in his first term that others wouldn’t touch, even with re-election behind them. He acted without regard for upcoming elections,” the minister noted.
He argued that Tinubu demonstrated the difference between a politician and a statesman by prioritizing Nigeria’s long-term prosperity over short-term political convenience.
“Nations reach critical junctures when leaders must choose between political survival and historical legacy. He recognized that true leadership transcends holding office—it’s about statesmanship,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
The minister emphasized that these reforms were designed to benefit both current and future generations of Nigerians. He urged citizens nationwide to recognize these sacrifices and reward the president’s courage by supporting his administration’s continuation.
“He took this risk, and as 2027 approaches, Nigerians must acknowledge this and ensure the continuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.
The summit was organized by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau also addressed the gathering, encouraging former legislators to back Tinubu’s re-election to allow sufficient time for his reform initiatives to bear fruit.
Barau referenced the informal power rotation arrangement that has operated since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, arguing it has contributed to political balance and should be honored.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is serving his first term. There’s no need to change a system that’s functioning well. The rotation has proven effective, and he deserves the opportunity to serve two complete terms,” Barau stated.
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