Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms despite the hardship they have caused Nigerians, urging voters to assess the administration based on the condition of the country when it assumed office in 2023.

Mr Shettima spoke on Monday at the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, where he represented President Tinubu and appealed to residents to support the party in the 2027 general elections.

The Vice-President acknowledged the difficulties associated with the reforms but argued that major economic transformation required difficult decisions.

He said the policies were beginning to produce positive results and urged Nigerians to compare the country’s current situation with what the Tinubu administration inherited in 2023.

“President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are something we have seen, though painful; you can agree with me that they are beginning to yield positive results,” Mr Shettima said.

He likened Tinubu’s leadership approach to that of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, whose administration transformed the country from a struggling colony into a global financial hub.

Mr Shettima urged Cross River residents to renew the APC’s mandate in 2027, describing the state as politically strategic to the party and deserving of greater federal presence.

Otu promises Tinubu maximum votes

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, assured the President that the state would deliver what he described as maximum votes for him in the 2027 presidential election.

“In 2027, we are going to give President Bola Tinubu maximum votes in Cross River, because Cross River remains solidly APC,” Governor Otu said.

He attributed the expected support to federal interventions and projects in the state, urging APC members across the 18 local government areas to intensify grassroots mobilisation.

Governor highlights major projects

Governor Otu cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport and the proposed location of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as projects capable of transforming the state’s economic prospects.

He said the coastal highway would improve connectivity, trade, tourism and investment, while the proposed deep seaport could position Cross River as an international maritime gateway and create employment opportunities.

The governor also said the proposed Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat would increase international engagement and stimulate hospitality and commercial activities in Calabar.

He further cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as one of the Federal Government’s interventions aimed at improving access to tertiary education.

APC chairman seeks increased turnout

The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, challenged Cross River residents to surpass their previous voting records by turning out in large numbers to support President Tinubu in January 2027.

Mr Yilwatda said the turnout at the Calabar rally demonstrated growing support for the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda, but warned that enthusiasm at campaign events must translate into votes.

He described Cross River as strategically positioned to become a major economic centre because of its geographical location, commercial potential and maritime opportunities.

The APC chairman also highlighted the Federal Government’s infrastructure plans, including rail development, seaport expansion and the proposed nationwide superhighway network.

According to him, the projects would improve connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs, attract investment and create employment.

Mr Yilwatda urged APC members, traditional institutions, community leaders, youths and women to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state.

The rally was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Cross River Deputy Governor Peter Odey, Adams Oshiomhole and other party leaders and supporters.

The Cross River campaign followed the inauguration of the APC presidential campaign council in Kaduna on 24 October.