APC governors meet in Kebbi, back 'Renewed Hope Agenda' beyond 2027

First-term governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, endorsing the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond the 2027 general elections.

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The declaration was announced on Tuesday by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, who presented a communiqué on behalf of the forum following its meeting in Birnin Kebbi.

Governor Idris stated that the communiqué reflected the governors’ collective commitment to patriotism, accountability, national service, and the promotion of long-term national stability.

While acknowledging the difficult economic realities currently facing the nation, Governor Idris praised the resilience of the Nigerian people.

He noted that families, workers, farmers, traders, transporters, youth, and women have borne the brunt of these necessary adjustments.

However, the forum maintained that the federal government’s current policies are vital to rectifying decades of accumulated fiscal, security, and developmental deficits.

According to the communiqué, these reforms are strategically designed to stabilise the national economy and restore public finances, attract foreign and domestic investments while boosting productivity, strengthening national security architectures.

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The governors said the reforms a laying sustainable foundation for long-term growth and shared prosperity.

“We declare our total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and for the continuity of the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond 2027. We make this declaration as a commitment to national recovery, shared prosperity, democratic stability, and the preservation of the Nigerian federation,” the communiqué read.

The governors urged Nigerians across all regions, religions, and ethnicities to remain united, look beyond temporary hardships, and support the economic transformation agenda.

Concurrently, they called for the expansion of social protection initiatives and relief interventions to cushion the impact on vulnerable citizens.

Strengthening national security and safeguarding schools

Addressing the nation’s security challenges, the governors expressed deep concern over persistent threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and recent attacks on educational institutions.

The forum strongly condemned school abductions and acts of violence that threaten to undermine education and public confidence.

To combat this, the governors pledged to intensify school security and community policing initiatives, enhance collaboration between state governments, federal security agencies, traditional rulers, and local intelligence networks.

Other measure is to ensure the swift rescue of victims and the rigorous prosecution of perpetrators.

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Call for action on diplomatic tensions in South Africa

The communiqué also addressed international concerns, specifically recent reports of hostilities, profiling, and violent attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

While reaffirming their respect for South Africa’s sovereignty and the historic diplomatic ties between both nations, the governors roundly condemned xenophobia and mob violence.

They urged South African authorities to launch thorough investigations into these incidents, protect law-abiding foreign residents, and bring the perpetrators to justice in alignment with international law.