Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has acknowledged the economic hardship facing Nigerians but urged citizens, particularly young people, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the administration needs more time to consolidate its reforms.
Suswam made the appeal on Friday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, during a rally organised by the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a political mobilisation group campaigning for Tinubu’s return to office.
Speaking to supporters, the former governor maintained that the difficulties Nigerians are experiencing should be considered against the administration’s stated long-term economic objectives. He argued that reforms intended to restructure the economy could involve short-term sacrifices before their anticipated benefits become evident.
Suswam urged young Nigerians to support the President for another four-year term, saying the administration should be given an opportunity to consolidate its policies and build what he described as a solid foundation for future generations.
“Come next January, you will vote massively for this man so that he can consolidate on these policies for your own future,” he said, urging Nigerians not to be discouraged by the hardship associated with the ongoing reforms.
The former governor argued that Nigeria might have been in a stronger economic position if similar measures had been introduced earlier, adding that he believed the country could benefit from allowing the President to continue with his policy agenda.
He also encouraged supporters of the movement to extend their campaign activities beyond organised rallies by engaging residents in their communities, villages and local government areas.
According to Suswam, effective political mobilisation requires direct conversations with voters, enabling them to understand the administration’s policies and decide whether they support its direction.
The former governor also explained his decision to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he wanted to be associated with Tinubu’s reform agenda and what he believes could become a lasting contribution to the country’s development.
Suswam reaffirmed his support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and urged Nigerians to consider the long-term implications of the administration’s decisions.
His remarks come amid continuing national debate over the economic impact of Tinubu’s reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and changes to foreign exchange policy. While the administration has defended the measures as necessary for economic restructuring, many households and businesses continue to face pressure from living costs.
Whether the reforms will produce the broad improvements promised by their supporters remains a central question in the political debate ahead of the 2027 election.
Suswam’s appeal reflects the argument advanced by Tinubu’s supporters that the administration should be allowed additional time to consolidate its policies. Opposition figures, however, continue to question the pace of improvement and the burden the reforms have placed on ordinary Nigerians.