Why I’m not thinking about re-election now – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu said his government is not currently thinking about the next general elections in 2027 but about the offspring of the next generation.

He made this known during the South-West Zone Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Eko Hotels, Lagos on Saturday and presided over by the Chairman of the South-West Governors' Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. was aligned.

Other governors at the event included Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti). former Ogun governors Olusegun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun; Lagos GAC Chief, Tajudeen Olusi; Senators, members of the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly, among others.

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The President, who was represented by his Chief of Staff (COS), Femi Gbajabiamila, said he too was saddened by the distress in the country but was quick to assure that everything would get better.

According to him, given his government's very difficult decision, there is light at the end of the tunnel, adding that the time will come “when we will all thank him for the decision.”

“Mr President asked me to convey his message. He knows he has made a very difficult decision. He sees the light at the end of the tunnel. The time will come when we will all thank him for his decision.

“Mr. President said I should let you know that he's not thinking about the next election, but the next generation.”

“For every moment in a country, a certain leader is produced.

“This is the time to produce a courageous leader,” he said.

Tinubu assured that all deliberations of the South-West faction of the ruling APC would be taken into account, pointing out that the South-West remains his base despite being Nigeria's president.

While noting that the country was facing multiple challenges, the President assured that he remained committed to Nigeria's progress and promised that he would continue to heed the wishes of the people.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the meeting was intended as a big family to exchange ideas and agree on strategies to take the South West to greater heights, adding that the ruling party was blessed with strengths and better capable to move the country forward.

“We have come together as one big family to explore and find more ways to work together. It's about exchanging ideas and agreeing strategies to take the Southwest to greater heights.

“We are blessed with assets and better positioned to move the country forward,” the governor said.

Additionally, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the gathering was to rekindle the hope of the people, noting that the strong Omoluabi ethos must be created in the zone for the progress of the region and the country.

He appealed to leaders and other members to give due support to President Tinubu, saying they should strive to push ahead with the 2027 elections.

In his speech, the Senate Leader and Chairman of the South West Caucus in the National Assembly, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, described the South West APC Caucus in the 10th Assembly as very strategic, saying he was concerned about the development of the region.

“Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023, the South West Caucus has been a formidable force that has contributed significantly to the advancement of our legislative responsibilities.

“Of the 18 senators from the South West, 15 are from the APC, making our zone the single largest bloc of APC senators in the Senate.

“This has given us significant influence and we have used it effectively for the benefit of our people. First and foremost, we aligned ourselves with the party's leadership and ensured that the leadership structure of the Senate and House of Representatives was consistent with the direction of our major party.

“Furthermore, we have steadfastly stood by the leadership of the National Assembly, especially when plans were made to discredit the leadership.

“We remain united behind Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy Jubrin Barau even as there were unfounded allegations of budget overfill.

“The South West Caucus remains a stabilizing force in the Senate,” he said.

“Secondly, our zone has also received fair recognition in the leadership of the Senate.

“It is an honor to serve as Senate Leader while we hold the seat of Chief Whip and other senior positions in the House of Representatives.

“This also extends to key leadership roles on committees, further strengthening our influence on national decision-making.

“One of our caucus’ greatest achievements is the successful passage of the South West Development Commission Bill.

“This was not just a necessity but a matter of justice as there are similar commissions in other regions,” he added.

The keynote speaker, who is also the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, called on the APC South West zone to lead by example and ensure that the caucus in the National Assembly is transferred to the state and local government levels .

“We in the South West Zone should lead by example by ensuring that the caucus in the National Assembly is transferred to the state and local government levels

“As a party, we cannot continue to rest on our oars, we should be ready to forge a united front.”

“I am confident that APC will remain strong to fulfill the unfinished business of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope agenda,” the former governor said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE