• ‘I have lived to expectation as Imo governor’

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma explains why the opposition cannot stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from securing a second term in 2027. He also speaks on his achievements and constraints in the last six years, Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports

Although the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is 23 months old, opposition politicians have started the campaign for 2027 polls.

A lot of clandestine meetings are on. Consultations for some kinds of alliances are being held. Old rivals are trying to close ranks in a bid to consummate a sort of coalition.

Also, efforts are being made by those who lost the 2023 presidential election to demarket the administration through propaganda, in a bid to create credibility crisis and, in their calculation, weaken the President ahead of the next poll. They are threatening fire and brimstone.

However, Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman Senator Hope Uzodimma, who acknowledged the tricks of the opposition, said their 2027 agenda would collapse like a pack of cards the same way it crashed in 2023.

“President Tinubu is performing. He is living to expectation. You don’t change the winning team,” he told reporters in Lagos at the weekend.

Uzodimma, who was in the former federal capital to received the Vanguard Newspaper’s Infrastructure Governor of the Year Award, also said he merited the honour, based on the successful infrastructural battles he had fought and won in the Southeast state in the last six years.

The Imo State governor said Nigeria is fortunate to have at the helm of affairs a leader who is a visionary; forthright, knowledgeable, courageous, focussed and a reformist. He said through the economic reforms, government has been able to earn more revenue, particularly after blocking the loopholes and leakages.

Hailing the bold reforms, he pointed out that the increased revenue has impacted on the sub-regional units, which now receive more allocations from the centre. For example, he said allocation to Imo has increased to N12 billion monthly, enabling him to embark on some development projects, unlike before.

Uzodimma described Tinubu as a man who has a national outlook, adding that Nigeria is his constituency. He rejected the complaint by Senator Ali Ndume from Borno State about the imaginary lopsided federal appointments, stressing that the President has not shown bias, sentiments and favouritism.

In his view, President Tinubu has given every state and zone a sense of participation and belonging, insisting that there is no evidence of exclusion. He however, added that if the senator has complaints or needs clarification about any matter bothering on governance, he has access to the President. Besides, Uzodimma pointed out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has various channels of communication and conflict resolution mechanism that can be exploited instead of fueling propaganda.

The governor noted the plan for coalition by key opposition figures, in collaboration with the negligible defectors who make noise in the media. He said the party is not threatened and the Federal Government is not intimidated. “We are practicing partisan democracy. But you dont change a winning team,” he stressed.

Uzodimma described the activities of the desperate as a distraction. But he quickly added that APC and the president are focussed. “We will not allow anybody to remove anything from our hands,” he said.

An excited Uzodimma spoke with a sense of fulfillment on his feats in Imo, pointing out that the state cannot remain the same after his tenure. He said he was determined to make a difference, having made a promise of a turnaround to the people and a covenant with God.

The governor recalled that he was underrated and derided as a governor who was catapulted to power by a judicial pronouncement, from the back seat and number four position to the captain of the ship.

He defended the intervention of the temple of justice that redressed the colossal electoral injustice and restored his stolen mandate. Uzodimma recalled that when the false and dubious votes were removed from the authentic votes, he triumphed.

Read Also: No new revelation by FBI on Tinubu, says Presidency

Recalling the euphoria of victory, he declared himself as a popular leader who built on the first term electoral feat by winning all the 27 local governments during the second term poll.

But, his greatest joy is living to expectation in the last six years through the implementation of laudable policies and developmental projects that are verifiable across the sectors.

He is fully in charge and cannot be tossed around. He is guided by the due process in the conduct of state affairs. He is strengthened by experience as a politician who knows the state, its challenges and the expectations of the people.

Uzodimma, who highlighted his achievements, urged the people of Imo to team up with him so that he can continue to deliver.

He said:”There was total breakdown of public infrastructure when I came in. That was why I came with ths slogan of three “Rs” -Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery. Roads were impassable. The Government House was nothing to write home about. The secretariat was an eyesore. Public hodpitals were moribund. The former governor (Emeka Ihedioha) could not live in the Government House. It was not habitable.

“We prioritised road construction – Owerri-Orlu, Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Umuahia. We have built 120 solid roads. We restored the Owerri Water Scheme. People were hawking and buying water when we came in Owerri, the state capital.”

Uzodimma also said he turned his attention to the civil service to make it productive, effective, efficient and rewarding. He lamented that he inherited a civil service without data on civil servants, adding that he had to embark on some reforms.

“We were able to raise the recruitment level and payment of salaries. We have not missed payment of salaries. We have increased the salaries. We pay 70,000 minimum page. We have a robust insurance scheme for workers. We have strengthened the facilities.”

The governor stressed the importance of public/private partnership in the health sector, which he has embarked on. He also spoke on the expansion of tertiary institutions, saying that Imo now has more universities, including the university of agriculture and environmental sciences, polytechnics and colleges of educations.

On account of these achievements, he said: “There is a revolution going on in Owerri. We have demolished propaganda with our works.”

In the Southeast, security has been a big headache. Imo was not insulated from the violence. But security has since improved in the state, although government cannot afford to sleep on guard.

Uzodimma explained that he inherited a politically contrived insecurity perpetrated by rivals who lost election. He said their plan was to create an atmosphere of mayhem and violence that would warrant a declaration of a state of emergency. “It cost government a lot of money. But because of the help of the Federal Government and our input, we are conquering insecurity,” he added.

Uzodimma believes that state police would enable governors to maintain law and order as chief security officers of their states. He noted that the bill is receiving attention in the National Assembly, stressing that when it is passed and assented to by the President, security will now be in the Concurrent List.

Electricity is key to industrialisation, effective business operations and home comfort. The governor believes that uninterrupted supply would contribute to a favourable climate for businesses to thrive. He also disclosed plans to make oil workers to lived in the state and employ indigenes, instead of dashing in to only explore and leave.

“We are working towards uninterrupted electricity. There are seven oil companies in Imo. Their workers don’t live in the state. I made sure they live here and give jobs to our people. They complained about lack of suitable accommodation. We have the old Concord Hotel. I contacted the private sector. Concord-Hilton Hotel will start operation in November,” he said.

The governor said employment opportunities would reduce armed robbery, kidnappings and other forms of insecurity.

Apart from receiving federal allocation, how has the governor expanded the revenue base of Imo? He said while the state was generating less than N400 million monthly before he assumed office, his government has now jerked up the internally generated revenue to N4 billion monthly.

Uzodimma also disclosed that while he inherited N200 billion debt, it has reduced to N100 billion.

“We have minimised leakages. We have a single, central account system. We are targeting N5 billion monthly before the end of the year,” he added.

The governor, who promised stimulus package for Imo, frowned as agents of blackmail who are trying to frustrate the bold reforms and limit its dividends. He chided the cartel of food distributors and sellers in the chain who impose high prices of foodstuffs as monopoly, in the absence of price control mechanism.

Reflecting on the push for local government autonomy, he said:”We don’t have problem with local government administration. We have automated payroll syatem.”

But in another breath, Uzodimma added:”The word autonomy is strange. Most of the functions of the three levels of government are carried out in pari pasu. They are interwoven. We should work cooperatively and collaboratively.“

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has stated that none of the existing opposition parties currently possess the structure needed to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.

Mumuni made this assertion in a statement released to journalists by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar.

According to him, the present political landscape shows that opposition parties lack the viable frameworks necessary to pose a serious challenge to Tinubu’s administration.

He noted that while Nigeria’s political environment remains complex, many opposition parties are hampered by poor organization and limited resources, making it difficult for them to mount an effective presidential campaign in 2027.

Mumuni also emphasised that the absence of a united front and voter-friendly policies further weakens the chances of the opposition ahead of the next general election.

Read Also: Tinubu moving Nigeria’s economy from life support to full recovery

“As we reflect on the current political landscape in Nigeria, it is essential to make a candid assessment of our capabilities and strategic direction as we look towards the upcoming 2027 elections. The reality we face is one where, at present, there are no opposition parties with the viable structures necessary to mount a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“The political framework in Nigeria is complex. However, it is evident that many opposition parties lack the cohesive organization and resources required to effectively contest the presidency. The absence of a united front and clear policies that resonate with voters poses significant challenges.

“Historically, successful opposition movements have required not only robust grassroots structures but also a synergy of purpose and vision. We must acknowledge that the current opposition parties struggle to engage and mobilize their bases effectively, which begs the question of their capability to launch a formidable challenge in 2027.

“The Nigerian electorate is discerning and has demonstrated a willingness to support leaders who instill confidence and reliability. Our lack of visibility and failures to cultivate trust among the populace have created an uphill battle against the incumbency advantage.

“No incumbent president has been easily unseated without a robust, organized, and coordinated opposition. President Tinubu has established a solid foundation and continues to build upon it. Without the necessary structures and strategies in place, displacing him in 2027 could very well be a walkover.

“Given these dynamics, it may be prudent for all political gladiators to consider working alongside the president for the time being. Collaboration does not equate to submission; rather, it indicates a strategic maneuver to influence governance positively and prepare to regroup for future competitions.

“From this collaborative stance, we can focus on strengthening our political structures, building grassroots movements, and preparing for a viable campaign in future elections. This transition phase can serve as an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, set shared goals, and address critical societal issues collaboratively.

“In conclusion, while the prospects for the upcoming elections appear daunting for the opposition, we must acknowledge our current limitations and the strengths of the existing administration. By fostering an environment of collaboration, we can build a stronger foundation for the future and lay the groundwork for a competitive political landscape. Let us approach this period with pragmatism and a commitment to the betterment of our nation”.

A new global initiative aimed at reshaping the perception of Nigeria, particularly among Nigerians in the Diaspora, has been launched in Lagos.

Spearheaded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Lagos State, Ayodele Oluseye, the ‘Asiwaju Positivity Initiative’ seeks to counter the prevailing negative narratives about the country and highlight ongoing reforms and progress.

Many people participated in the online conference.

With a focus on grassroots engagement and media outreach, the initiative aims to reshape perceptions of Nigeria, encouraging diaspora communities to adopt a more optimistic outlook and play an active role in the country’s development.

It was coordinated by the Chairman of the United Kingdom chapter of the ruling party  and Global Chairman of the Fiaspora chapters, Mr Tunde Doherty and Michael Ola Johnson in the United States of America.

Former Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State on Lands, Physical Planning, and Urban Development,

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Dr. Isiaka Owolade, provided a detailed analysis of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and their impact on Nigeria’s recovery.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Asiwaju’s Economic Policy Agenda-Prospects,’ Dr. Owolade explained that President Tinubu took office in May 2023 amid severe economic and social challenges. “The economy was burdened with high debt, a declining GDP, and rising inflation,” he said, noting that security issues further complicated governance.

Despite these hurdles, Dr. Owolade highlighted that Tinubu’s government implemented crucial reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies on his first day. “Though unpopular initially, the subsidy removal was essential to free up resources for sectors like education, infrastructure, and healthcare,” he said.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s GDP had dropped significantly between 2014 and 2023, with a 23.79% decline from 2022 to 2023. “The country’s debt service-to-revenue ratio had reached an alarming 162%, leaving little room for development,” Dr. Owolade added.

Tinubu’s administration tackled these issues by pursuing fiscal discipline and implementing a unified foreign exchange system, leading to a more stable naira, improved investor confidence, and increased trade.

Owolade also referenced a 2022 report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), which revealed Nigeria spent N13.7 trillion on subsidies from 2005 to 2021. “In 2022 alone, fuel subsidies accounted for N4 trillion, almost 25% of the national budget,” he said.

While the subsidy removal caused short-term inflationary pressures, Dr. Owolade noted that it has since freed up more resources for the government. “The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) is now disbursing higher allocations, which benefits both federal and state governments.”

According to  Owoade, the key reforms implemented by President Tinubu include reducing inflation from 34.8% in 2023 to 24.48% in early 2025, increasing foreign reserves to $38.2 billion, and lowering the debt service-to-revenue ratio from 162% to 68%.

Additionally, the country’s balance of trade improved significantly, reaching N18.86 trillion in 2024, and power generation reached a record high of 6,003MW, boosting industrial productivity.

On infrastructure, the government has prioritized projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, alongside revitalizing refineries.

These efforts are positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

To tackle youth unemployment, the administration launched initiatives like the Technology Incubation Centers and a Graduate Youth Employment Program. Dr. Owolade noted, “With 70% of Nigeria’s population being youth, these programs are key to empowering the next generation.”

President Tinubu has also focused on improving security through increased military funding, helping displaced farmers return to their land, boosting agricultural productivity.

Finally, Dr. Owolade emphasized the introduction of a new consumer credit scheme to curb corruption, allowing citizens to acquire essential assets without resorting to illicit activities.

Former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs Sarah Sosa, who spoke on the theme, ‘Asiwaju and the Indigenous Lagosians in Governance’ underscored Tinubu’s commitment to empowering competent Lagosians and any individual regardless of tribe in governance.

She praised Mr President’s foresight in balancing the involvement of both indigenous and non-indigenous residents in leadership roles to reflect Lagos’ diverse population.

“Lagos is a unique state with a blend of cultures, attracting Nigerians, Africans, and foreigners alike,” she said. “It has always been a home for many, and Tinubu understood the importance of inclusivity while maintaining indigenous representation.”

She highlighted Lagos’ historical significance, noting that it was created in May 1967 and served as Nigeria’s capital until 1991. Despite Abuja becoming the administrative capital, Lagos remains the nation’s economic and commercial hub.

Reflecting on Tinubu’s tenure as governor from 1999 to 2007, she described how he transformed Lagos from a struggling state into a thriving metropolis. “Before he assumed office, Lagos was in a poor state – civil servants were owed salaries, infrastructure was deteriorating, and governance was weak. Within two years, he turned things around with strategic policies and a competent team, many of whom were indigenous Lagosians.”

She further revealed that during Tinubu’s administration, over 60% of his cabinet members were indigenous, and they have continued to play key roles in governance. “Tinubu believes in capacity and competence. He ensures that Lagosians are included while also recognizing the contributions of other ethnic groups.”

Addressing concerns about indigenous representation in recent administrations, she acknowledged that while some indigenous Lagosians feel sidelined, Tinubu has consistently ensured that they hold strategic positions. “Even after his tenure as governor, he continued to mentor and support indigenous leaders. The subsequent administrations, including that of Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, maintained this legacy.”

As president, Sosa said Tinubu is reportedly making similar efforts at the federal level, ensuring the representation of Yoruba and indigenous Lagosians in key positions. “He came into office at a difficult time for Nigeria, but as a bold and strategic leader, he is making the necessary adjustments. Nigerians need to be patient as his policies take effect.”

Concluding her remarks, she urged indigenous Lagosians to remain active in governance and work collaboratively with others to sustain Lagos’ growth. “The clamour for more indigenous involvement is valid, but it must be pursued without conflict. Lagos has always been a land of opportunity, and we must continue to build on that legacy.”

Oluseye explained that the initiative was created to address the tendency of many Nigerians in the diaspora to focus on the country’s challenges while overlooking the progress being made.

“When the idea was conceived, it was based on my personal experiences living abroad and seeing the contrast in governance between there and Nigeria. I noticed that many Nigerians in the diaspora only focus on the negatives and are unaware of the progress being made,” he shared.

Oluseye linked the initiative to Tinubu’s administration, highlighting the ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria. “We are currently going through the pain, but after pain comes gain. The reforms being implemented will take time to manifest, but they are necessary steps for national development,” he explained.

He said the initiative aims to engage Nigerians globally in discussions about the country’s progress. While acknowledging the gradual nature of the effort, he noted, “We are starting conversations at shops, restaurants, and barbershops abroad. Even on my recent flight back to Nigeria, I engaged in discussions with fellow travelers, and I could see their perspectives shifting.”

Oluseye emphasized that the movement was not solely about Tinubu’s administration but about changing the broader narrative about Nigeria.

“This is a continuous effort; it will not stop. Nigeria’s challenges did not begin today, and they will not be solved overnight,” he stated. His ultimate goal, he said, is not personal gain but to inspire a shift in attitude, encouraging Nigerians, especially in the diaspora, to contribute positively to the country’s development. “Once people understand this, their attitudes will change, and they will start thinking about how they can contribute to Nigeria’s progress rather than just criticizing,” he concluded.

Doherty emphasized the importance of showcasing Tinubu’s achievements to counter misinformation and boost confidence among Nigerians at home and abroad.

“We need to highlight Asiwaju’s positive impact on Nigerians in the diaspora,” he said. “They influence opinions back home and contribute significantly to our economy, with remittances making up about 25% of Nigeria’s GDP. If things improve here, more will return.”

He warned about the dangers of fake news, stressing that misinformation harms Nigeria’s global image. “Our people in the diaspora are some of the best professionals, doctors, engineers, and business leaders. We must change the narrative and encourage investment in Nigeria,” he added.

Addressing critics who see the initiative as partisan, Doherty dismissed the claim, stating that his commitment to progressive governance goes beyond party politics. “I have been in politics since 1983, always supporting progressive policies. This is not about APC; it’s about national progress,” he said.

He praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, including refinery revamps, agricultural investment, and student loan programs, acknowledging current hardships but assuring long-term benefits. “Yes, it’s tough, but after the rain comes sunshine. With new refineries and CNG initiatives, fuel and transportation costs will drop, and year-round farming will boost food security,” he explained.

Encouraging optimism, he urged Nigerians to support national development. “We must believe in our country. President Tinubu is making bold decisions that will benefit future generations,” he said.

The APC diaspora initiative aims to bridge communication between the government and Nigerians abroad while fostering investments and partnerships for national growth.