Uzodimma: Tinubu's Re-election is Certain, Opposition Lacks Alternatives

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and National Coordinator for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHAs), stated his strong belief that President Bola Tinubu will be re-elected in 2027, regardless of the formidable opposition.

Uzodimma made these remarks during the commencement of a two-day summit for the RHAs in the South-South region, which took place on Monday in Asaba, the capital city of Delta State. The theme of the summit was "One Party, One Message, One Mobilisation."

He highlighted that Nigeria has been faced with multiple economic challenges for years, such as subsidies, various exchange rates that benefited only a select few, and an energy sector that consumed resources without providing electricity, leading to a disordered revenue system that hindered state planning.

"However, President Tinubu has taken decisive action to address these issues, stating that it is time to repair the system, and this is not merely rhetoric," Uzodimma asserted.

The governor praised Tinubu's accomplishments, emphasizing that they are backed by significant and transformative reforms.

"Despite this progress at the macro level, where Nigeria's economy is stabilizing and being restructured, many Nigerians are still grappling with the effects of these adjustments. Identifying and bridging this gap is crucial, and this is the purpose of the RHAs," he noted.

Uzodimma reiterated that the president has proven that effective leadership requires courage to make difficult decisions, even painful ones, for the sake of future generations.

He encouraged the RHA members to assist grassroots Nigerians in comprehending government policies and initiatives, aiming to deepen their understanding of the president's Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).

"It is our role to help Nigerians realize that this temporary pain is a precursor to long-term gain; you are advocates of prosperity and representatives of the Federal Government. The benefits of these reforms are enduring and we will soon witness the fruits of this labor," he expressed.

He further mentioned that there are already signs of improvement, such as the stabilization of food prices, the strengthening of the naira, and a decline in inflation rates.

Uzodimma urged the constituents not to lose hope, stating, "Now is not the time for despair, as we are nearing the point of reaping the rewards of our endurance and sacrifices. Your role as RHAs is vital in conveying this message."

He described the RHAs as vital interpreters of governmental visions, tasked with transforming policy discussions into relatable language and creating a link between government actions and public awareness.

"Our mission as RHAs and, indeed, as members of the ruling APC, is not just to secure the president's re-election, which is assured, but to effectively communicate his vision as the opposition holds no alternative proposals," Uzodimma stated.

In a related remark, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori referred to the summit as a strategic avenue to bolster party structures and enhance grassroots engagement in the South-South.

He emphasized the importance of unity for political success, cautioning that inconsistent messaging could weaken the party's influence and provide openings for opposition forces.

Calling for ongoing grassroot connectivity, he urged stakeholders to defend government policies and work towards converting public support into electoral successes.

Additionally, former Delta Governor and RHA South-South Coordinator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, highlighted the summit's goal to provide participants with the necessary skills to effectively communicate the administration’s reform initiatives.

He noted that the president's RHA was designed to tackle long-standing economic and social issues like inadequate fiscal structures, unemployment, and a lack of investor confidence, mentioning key successes in areas such as foreign reserves, oil production, healthcare access, educational reforms, and infrastructure improvements.

Okowa acknowledged that a communication gap had limited the public's acknowledgment of these achievements.

He advocated for the ambassadors to engage citizens in various sectors actively, utilizing factual information to clarify reforms and combat misinformation.

Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, the summit's chairperson and South-West Coordinator of the RHAs, described the South-South region as Nigeria's economic backbone and expressed confidence that the APC would secure victory in the 2027 General Elections.

He underscored the region's pivotal role in shaping Nigeria's political landscape and noted its growing alignment with the APC signifies increasing acceptance of the party's policies and leadership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that participants at the summit came from South-South states including Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers.