President Bola Tinubu’s excruciating economic reforms are not about politics but pure “extraordinary statesmanship,” says his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
At a Southern Summit of ex-lawmakers in Abeokuta, Gbajabiamila declared, “These are not the actions of a politician thinking about the next election. They are acts of extraordinary statesmanship.”
The former Speaker praised Tinubu’s sweeping reforms, from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) guaranteeing every child tertiary education, to tax reforms he insists usher in “a new era of economic justice.”
While admitting the reforms are biting Nigerians, he urged patience.
“Fixing what has long been broken imposes costs, entails sacrifice and takes time.”
The summit sparked political fireworks. Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara blasted unnamed “pretenders,” warning: “They are not about patriotism, they are about vengeance, distraction and power.”
By the end of the gathering, Southern and Northern heavyweights had crowned Tinubu as the sole Southern candidate for the 2027 presidential race, insisting he must complete an eight-year tenure.
“We affirm that it is the turn of the South to complete its tenure… Accordingly, we adopt him as the Sole Candidate of the South,” the communique echoed .
With rivals circling, Tinubu’s camp has fired the opening shot for 2027, two years ahead of schedule.
