From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The National Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election at the APC National Summit in Abuja’s State House Conference Centre.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio moved the motion, seconded by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, with support from principal officers, signalling robust legislative backing.
Akpabio urged action, stating, “This is that we will do the talk, but at the same time, we must walk the talk.”
He acknowledged economic challenges, saying, “In totality, what they are saying is that even though you met a fumbling economy… you have been able to improve the economy, there is growth despite the world recession.”
On security, he noted, “The senator confided with me that now in his community, he can sleep with three eyes closed, and that in the last five years, he had not visited his community because of insecurity.” Despite “sporadic terrorist attacks,” he added, “You have done very well. You have done Nigeria good.”
Furthermore, Akpabio celebrated party unity, saying, “I saw our governors… former presiding officers… Senator Ayim Pius Ayim… Ken Namani… What it means is that the party has been able to bring all of us together.”
He warned against complacency, stating, “Many people promised you votes… but you could not get 25% in many of those states… Let the results that will come in 2027 reflect the action and the speeches.” He cautioned, “Politics is not over until it is over, and that you will still have enemies. It is a tree that bears the sweetest fruit that also gets the highest amount of stones.”
Akpabio detailed legislative achievements: “Since we came on board, we have done a total of 477 bills… passed at least 25 bills… many… into Acts of Parliament.” He praised Tinubu’s education reforms, saying, “You have established 32 new universities… including… the University of Environment in Ogoniland.” He highlighted the Students Loans Act, noting, “Very poor people… can take loans and… obtain higher education.”
Additionally, Akpabio commended economic reforms: “The National Economic Stabilisation and Recovery Act targets inflation control, investment attraction, and economic reform… our economy is on track.” On security, he said, “You have streamlined and strengthened the Nigerian internal security system… They can no longer stand and face our military.” He added, “The Universal Healthcare Coverage Act has broadened access to quality healthcare.”
Other reforms included the Petroleum Industry Reform Act for transparency, the Regional Development Commissions Act for grassroots development, and the Infrastructure Development Funds for states. Akpabio noted constitutional reforms, stating, “We have set up a 47-member constitutional review committee… key focus… devolution of powers, state policing, electoral reforms, local government autonomy.”
He praised the minimum wage increase: “From 30,000, you have given us about 70,000 today, and workers are happy.”
Akpabio highlighted diplomacy: “The Senate has engaged… with… China, the UAE, ECOWAS parliament, and the Pan African Parliament.” On security coordination, he said, “We are enhancing coordination… providing better funding for counter-terrorism.”
He urged vigilance, stating, “We still have enemies, and politics is a game of witchcraft… Please don’t sleep.”
He concluded, “The only people empowered to pass major resolutions remain the legislature… the House of Representatives and the Senate.”