APC Chieftain Ukiwe Backs Tinubu’s Reforms, Calls for Support Ahead of 2027 Election

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic and security policies, describing the President as a courageous leader laying the foundation for a stronger Nigeria.

Speaking during the APC presidential primary exercise in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ukiwe, a former local government chairman and key APC coordinator in the area, said the large turnout of party faithful reflected widespread support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, members of the party were mobilized to ensure massive support for the President, whom he credited for economic reforms and policies that he said had empowered states and local governments.

He noted that the President’s administration had provided increased funding to sub-national governments, adding that visible development projects in Abia State were evidence of Tinubu’s democratic leadership and commitment to grassroots governance.

Ukiwe maintained that the current economic hardship facing Nigerians was part of a necessary recovery process following years of economic challenges. Comparing the reforms to a surgical operation on a cancer patient, he argued that painful decisions such as fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms were essential to stabilizing the nation’s economy.

He said international financial institutions including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund had acknowledged that the administration was moving in the right direction economically.

The APC stalwart expressed optimism that the country would begin to reap the benefits of the reforms during Tinubu’s second term, stressing that the President was focused on building a solid economic foundation for future growth.

On insecurity, Ukiwe dismissed claims that the President had remained silent, insisting that Tinubu was actively collaborating with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and criminal activities across the country.

Reacting to concerns over recent kidnappings and violent attacks in Oyo State, he argued that security responsibilities should not rest solely on the federal government. He called on governors, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and communities to play more active roles in securing their areas.

He also defended the push for local government autonomy, saying it would enable local councils to effectively mobilize resources and support security agencies in tackling crimes at the grassroots level.

Ukiwe further endorsed the creation of state police, stating that local security structures such as vigilantes and hunters already understood the terrain and could significantly improve security if properly integrated into formal policing systems.

Addressing fears that governors could abuse state police structures, he said citizens must hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency from state governments.

The APC leader also praised Tinubu’s administration for infrastructure projects, student loan initiatives, and other development programmes, accusing opposition parties of downplaying the achievements of the federal government.

He urged party members and supporters to continue promoting the administration’s policies and achievements across all platforms, expressing confidence that President Tinubu would secure overwhelming support from the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the coming election.