Nigerian councillors declare support for Tinubu’s re-election

The National Councillors Forum of Nigeria has declared its support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, citing tangible gains at the grassroots and a renewed focus on local governance since his administration assumed office.

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The declaration was made during a press briefing on Wednesday by the President of the Forum, Evoh Nwikegwu, who said councillors across the country had unanimously resolved to back the president after extensive consultations within their communities.

Mr Nwikegwu described councillors as “the custodians of grassroots governance” and the closest tier of government to ordinary citizens, stressing that their position places them in a unique role to assess the real-world impact of federal policies.

“We feel their pains, understand their aspirations, and work daily to translate government policies into real impact at the community level,” he said. “Today, we speak with one united voice.”

According to the Forum, its strength lies in its expansive national spread, comprising 8,809 councillors operating across 176,836 polling units in all 774 local government areas, the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.

This reach, the Forum noted, makes it one of the largest grassroots political structures in the country, with influence extending from major urban centres to the most remote rural communities.

Commendation of Tinubu’s leadership

The councillors commended Mr Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as bold and forward-looking, particularly in areas affecting local governments and rural communities.

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They listed what they termed key achievements of the administration, including the restoration of local government autonomy, improved funding and accountability at the grassroots, renewed emphasis on rural development, expansion of social investment programmes, and major investments in infrastructure and security.

The Forum also highlighted reforms in agriculture and economic management as policies with a visible impact at the community level.

According to the group, these initiatives demonstrate that the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda has moved beyond rhetoric to practical outcomes felt in towns, villages, and wards nationwide.

Security gains at community level

The Forum also acknowledged what it described as notable efforts by the administration to improve national security, particularly through the modernisation of the armed forces, enhanced intelligence gathering, technology-driven operations, improved manpower, and better welfare for security personnel.

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Mr Nwikegwu said decisive leadership in addressing terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping had helped restore confidence among citizens and created safer conditions for economic and social activities at the grassroots.

He explained that the endorsement followed wide-ranging consultations with councillors and community leaders across the federation, as well as assessments of the administration’s performance.

“Based on facts, evidence, and the realities on the ground, we have reached a clear and unanimous decision,” he said.

On behalf of the Forum, its 8,809 councillors, representatives across 176,836 polling units, and millions of grassroots supporters, Mr Nwikegwu formally declared its “total, unwavering, and unconditional support” for Mr Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The Forum used the occasion to call for nationwide mobilisation in support of the president, urging serving and former councillors, ward leaders, grassroots mobilisers, and community stakeholders to take the message to every polling unit and household.

“We must organise, mobilise, and enlighten our people,” Mr Nwikegwu said, emphasising that the voice of the grassroots must remain central to Nigeria’s democratic process.