Former Sokoto State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Shagari has called on voters across Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027, pointing to infrastructure projects and government reforms as reasons for continuity.
Shagari, a former Minister of Water Resources and current Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, made the appeal in a congratulatory message following the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign launch in Kaduna State on Saturday.
The statement, signed by his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, and released to journalists on Monday, praised Tinubu, the APC leadership and party members for the successful event.
According to Shagari, the large turnout of political leaders, governors, party stakeholders and supporters reflected the APC’s mobilisation capacity and highlighted the North’s influence on the outcome of national elections.
He urged party leaders to maintain unity and strengthen their relationship with voters, noting that cooperation and consistent communication would be important to the party’s chances in the next presidential election.
The former minister also expressed confidence that Tinubu could attract considerable support from the region. However, he called on the Federal Government to improve its engagement with Nigerians and ensure that government programmes deliver measurable benefits to households and businesses.
Shagari further praised the president over the commissioning of the Kaduna-Abuja dual carriageway, saying improved road infrastructure could ease transportation challenges and support trade and other economic activities.
He said reliable roads were vital to economic growth, as they enable the movement of people and goods while reducing transportation difficulties for businesses and commuters.
He added that farmers, traders, transport workers and other business operators would benefit from better road networks, which could also encourage investment and create jobs.
Despite his commendation of the administration’s infrastructure efforts, Shagari urged the Federal Government to give continued attention to insecurity, rising economic pressures, job creation and social welfare.
He maintained that the effectiveness of any government should be assessed by the improvements it delivers in the daily lives of citizens.
Shagari argued that another term for Tinubu would allow the administration to complete ongoing projects, deepen its reforms and introduce additional development programmes. He, however, emphasised that political backing should go hand in hand with accountability, transparency and leadership that responds to the needs of the people.
He said Nigerians expected government policies to result in meaningful improvements in their living conditions.
On developments in Sokoto State, the former deputy governor praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his administration’s efforts in infrastructure, social welfare and human capital development.
He said continued investment in these sectors was necessary to raise living standards and promote sustainable development across the state.
