Former Sokoto State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Shehu Shagari has urged voters across Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing infrastructure development, ongoing government projects and the need to consolidate existing reforms.
Shagari, a former Minister of Water Resources and chairman of the governing board of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, made the appeal in a statement congratulating Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress on the successful flag-off of the party’s presidential campaign in Kaduna State.
The statement, signed by his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, described the campaign event as a demonstration of the party’s organisational capacity and determination to mobilise support for the President ahead of the next general election.
Shagari said the participation of party leaders, governors, stakeholders and supporters underscored Northern Nigeria’s importance to the country’s political landscape.
Infrastructure Cited as Reason for Supporting Tinubu
The former deputy governor argued that continued investment in infrastructure could support economic growth by improving the movement of people, goods and services.
He maintained that functional road networks could reduce transportation difficulties, support businesses and improve access to markets for farmers, traders and other economic operators.
According to Shagari, infrastructure development could also create employment opportunities and improve the business environment.
He expressed the view that a second term for Tinubu would provide an opportunity for the administration to consolidate ongoing projects and continue implementing its reform agenda.
Shagari urged the Federal Government to sustain its infrastructure programme while giving adequate attention to security, economic stability, job creation and social protection.
He also stressed that political support should be accompanied by measurable improvements in citizens’ living conditions.
Calls for Accountability and Better Living Conditions
While urging Northerners to support the President, Shagari said the success of any administration should ultimately be assessed by its ability to deliver tangible benefits to the population.
He emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability and continued engagement with citizens.
His appeal comes amid growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the APC seeking to consolidate its support across the country while opposition parties pursue their own campaigns.
The North remains a major electoral battleground because of its population and significance in national voting patterns.
However, Shagari’s appeal represents his political position and does not establish that voters across the region have collectively decided to support Tinubu.
Electoral outcomes will depend on the decisions of individual voters, the campaigns of competing parties and candidates, prevailing public concerns and the credibility of the electoral process.
His remarks nevertheless underline the importance the APC and its supporters attach to Northern Nigeria as the ruling party seeks another presidential mandate.