The Spokesperson, APC Presidential Campaign Council, Alwan Hassan, has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing economic reforms, infrastructure development and investments in education.

Mr Hassan made the call at a news conference in Kano on Thursday, where he highlighted what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration since assuming office in May 2023.

He said the administration inherited significant economic challenges, including inflation, pressure on public finances, a fragmented foreign exchange market and a high debt-servicing burden.

According to him, the federal government’s economic indicators show improvements in economic growth, external reserves, revenue generation and debt management.

Mr Hassan cited real gross domestic product growth of 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 2.74 per cent in 2023.

He also said Nigeria’s gross external reserves had risen to $55.1 billion as of October 9, while the tax-to-GDP ratio increased from about seven per cent to 12.5 per cent.

He added that the debt-service-to-revenue ratio had declined to about 65 per cent in the first half of 2026.

According to him, the removal of the petrol subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange market were difficult but necessary decisions aimed at addressing structural weaknesses in the economy.

Mr Hassan said increased allocations from the federation account had also provided state governments with greater resources to invest in infrastructure and public services.

He said allocations to the three tiers of government through the Federation Account Allocation Committee rose from N15.2 trillion in 2024 to N21.9 trillion in 2025.

On education, Mr Hassan described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the administration’s significant interventions, saying it expanded access to financial support for students from families facing economic difficulties.

He said N372.6 billion had been disbursed in student loans as of September 2026, with 1.66 million applications processed.

He also cited the disbursement of N38.93 billion to 166 public tertiary institutions through revitalisation funds to improve teaching and learning facilities.

Mr Hassan said the administration had also addressed the welfare of academic staff by clearing outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance arrears.

He further said more than 10 million households had benefited from the federal government’s cash transfer programme, with over N600 billion disbursed.

According to him, more than 800,000 micro, small and medium enterprises have also benefited from financing schemes through the Bank of Industry.

On technological development, Mr Hassan highlighted the activities of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), saying the agency was supporting local manufacturing, engineering skills development and technological innovation.

He said such initiatives were important for strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capacity, creating opportunities for young people and reducing dependence on imported technology.

The political supporter also highlighted federal infrastructure projects in northern Nigeria, saying improved road networks would facilitate trade, agricultural production and the movement of goods across the region.

He cited the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Superhighway, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria corridor, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Kano Northern Bypass among projects expected to improve regional connectivity.

Mr Hassan said the completion of sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria corridor would improve transportation between the Federal Capital Territory and major commercial centres in the North-West.

He added that federal interventions in basic education in Kano included the renovation of more than 50 primary schools across 15 local government areas and the provision of more than 16,000 furniture items.

Mr Hassan also congratulated Mr Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and party supporters on the successful campaign rally held at the Ranchers Bees Stadium in Kaduna.

He, however, said political rallies should be complemented by grassroots engagement and measurable improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.

He noted that he had recently engaged residents of his ward in Dakata, Kano, through a door-to-door campaign to discuss government policies and listen to their concerns.

Mr Hassan urged political stakeholders to focus on the impact of government policies on communities, schools, markets and farms.

He also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, questioning his record and suitability for the presidency.

Mr Hassan alleged that Mr Abubakar had not done enough for Northern Nigeria and urged him to retire from politics.

He maintained that the North should assess political leaders based on their records, policies and contributions to regional development.

Mr Hassan said the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the Tinubu administration and decide whether to renew its mandate.

(NAN)