President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received a high-powered delegation from the North-East comprising governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, elder statesmen and other stakeholders, who unanimously endorsed his re-election bid and pledged to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the region.
The endorsement came during a thank-you visit by leaders from the six North-East states following President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The delegation was led by the Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Professor Babagana Zulum, alongside the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Governor Zulum said President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima reflects his confidence in the North-East and recognises the region’s loyalty, competence and dedicated service.
“We are here for one overriding purpose: to show our appreciation and thank you most profoundly for the re-nomination of an accomplished son of our region, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, as your vice-presidential running mate in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.
“By this decision, you have once again demonstrated your outstanding qualities as a leader who recognises and rewards loyalty, competence and commitment,” he said.
Zulum described Shettima as a dependable deputy who has served President Tinubu with distinction over the past three years, adding that his retention reflects continuity, political stability and strategic leadership.
He noted that although the APC’s zoning arrangement gave the President the latitude to choose a running mate from any of the three northern geopolitical zones, the decision to retain Shettima has further reinforced the North-East’s confidence in the Tinubu administration.
Beyond politics, the Borno governor commended the federal government’s interventions across the region, citing the ongoing construction of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Expressway, investments in agriculture, education, youth empowerment and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons as evidence of the administration’s commitment to rebuilding the North-East after years of insurgency.
“We sincerely appreciate your efforts. We see and feel the impact of your administration and remain grateful for your commitment to the development of our region,” he said.
He assured the President that political leaders, traditional institutions and grassroots supporters across the North-East would remain united behind his administration and work towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 general election.
“On behalf of the governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, party leaders, women, youths and our teeming supporters, I assure Your Excellency that the North-East remains solidly behind your administration.
“We will continue to support your policies and programmes and mobilise our people at the grassroots to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“By the grace of God, come 2027, the North-East will massively deliver your presidential ticket and all APC candidates at every level,” Zulum pledged.
Earlier, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe said the delegation represented respected leaders whose influence transcends partisan politics and who continue to command the confidence of people across the region.
“It is a great honour to be here today with my brothers and sisters from the North-East to publicly acknowledge the leadership, vision and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to reaffirm our commitment to partnering with him in moving Nigeria forward,” he said.
Responding, President Tinubu described the endorsement as both emotional and reassuring, saying it reflected the enduring partnership between his administration and the people of the North-East.
He paid tribute to elder statesman and former National Chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, recalling his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and the influence he had on his political philosophy.
The President thanked governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other leaders from the region for their confidence and support, pledging to consolidate ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure and enhancing national security.
“As a President nominated for a second term, I hold democracy, consistency, dedication and steadfastness very dearly. Our focus is to stabilise the country, strengthen the polity and grow the economy. The economy is already stabilised,” President Tinubu said.
He said his administration had fulfilled key commitments to the North East, particularly in road infrastructure and security, while stressing that stronger collaboration between the federal government and state governments remains vital to defeating terrorism and banditry.
“I remember passionately asking for improvements in the road network in the North-East. We have started that journey and fulfilled that promise.
“I have seen the challenges posed by terrorism and banditry, but I have also seen what our collaboration can achieve. Only by standing together and thinking together can we overcome these challenges as one united nation,” he said.
President Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigerians would continue to benefit from the gains of his administration’s economic reforms.
“The golden age is here. Once the economy is stabilised, Nigerians are not asking for too much. They want stability, social welfare and a better life,” the president said.
Among those at the meeting were former Borno State Governor and APC stalwart Ali Modu Sheriff; former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Moddibo Umar; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
