Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the economic record of President Bola Tinubu, saying the administration inherited a severely distressed economy but has significantly changed the situation through economic reforms and what he described as innovative governance.
Akpabio made the remarks in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while receiving members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), led by Senator Mohammed Dandutse.
‘He met an economy in shambles’
The Senate President said Tinubu assumed office at a time when many states were struggling to meet their salary and pension obligations.
According to Akpabio, 27 states were unable to pay salaries and pensions when Tinubu took office, but he argued that the situation had changed as a result of the administration’s economic policies.
He credited Tinubu with using what he described as “thinking out of the box” to address the country’s economic and developmental challenges.
APC confident ahead of 2027
Akpabio said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would have sufficient achievements to present to Nigerians when its campaign for the 2027 general elections begins.
He expressed confidence that Tinubu would win a second term, arguing that voters would ultimately assess the administration based on its record.
The Senate President also challenged opposition politicians seeking to defeat Tinubu to present their own records in public office for comparison with the achievements of the current administration.
Economy, agriculture and security highlighted
Akpabio said the Tinubu administration had recorded achievements across several areas, including the economy, agriculture, security, education and fiscal policy.
He argued that opposition politicians were aware of these developments but were reluctant to acknowledge them because of political considerations.
Senate President defends National Assembly
Akpabio also defended the performance of the 10th National Assembly, saying the Senate had made significant contributions to national development under his leadership.
He specifically highlighted legislation and programmes supporting the education sector, including NELFUND and TETFund.
Dandutse, who led the visiting committee, said the delegation was in Akwa Ibom as part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities, including monitoring infrastructure projects funded through TETFund.
Akpabio cautions against social media claims
The Senate President also urged Nigerians and politicians to focus on verifiable information rather than relying solely on claims circulated on social media.
His comments come as political parties and potential presidential contenders increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the economic performance of the Tinubu administration expected to become one of the central issues of the campaign.
For the APC, the challenge will be to convince voters that the reforms implemented since 2023 have produced sufficient improvements in their living standards. For the opposition, the task will be to present a credible alternative and demonstrate how it would address the country’s economic challenges.
OnPointGist will continue to follow the 2027 political contest and developments surrounding Nigeria’s economy and governance.
