Tinubu’s re-election support not a blank cheque, Shettima tells APC supporters
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has warned supporters of President Bola Tinubu against taking growing Northern support for his re-election for granted, saying the administration must defend its policies with facts, transparency and measurable results.
Shettima said this on Saturday in Abuja while inaugurating the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) campaign headquarters and unveiling the campaign structure of the Northern political think tank ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He said the support expressed for Tinubu across the North placed a greater responsibility on the administration to explain its policies, acknowledge the difficulties Nigerians were facing and demonstrate how its reforms were improving their lives.
“By now, I believe the North has spoken. We have spoken with a resounding voice and unmistakable conviction. From Adamawa to Zamfara, from Borno to Niger, we have spoken,” the Vice-President said.
He, however, warned that the support must not be treated as an automatic endorsement, stressing that the administration must remain accountable to the people.
“The mandate belongs to the people. We must account for its use and explain how another term would advance their interests,” he said.
Shettima acknowledged that Nigerians had endured difficult economic adjustments, cautioning APC supporters against dismissing public concerns or relying on political slogans to defend government policies.
“Our citizens have endured difficult adjustments. We cannot pretend otherwise. What we owe them is an honest account of the decisions taken, the gains achieved and the difficulties that persist,” he said.
