Imo State Governor and National Co-ordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHAs), Hope Uzodimma, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is on a clear path to re-election in 2027. Speaking at the South-South Zonal Summit in Asaba, Delta State, Uzodimma dismissed the opposition's chances, claiming they have "nothing to offer" the Nigerian electorate.
A Mandate for Transformation
The summit, themed “One Party, One Message, One Mobilisation,” served as a platform for party leaders to consolidate support for the current administration. Uzodimma argued that the bold, though painful, reforms initiated by President Tinubu are the necessary ingredients for a stable future. He pointed out that for decades, Nigeria’s economy was hampered by unsustainable subsidies, distorted exchange rates, and a dysfunctional power sector that drained revenue without results.
“President Tinubu came and said it is enough; we will fix the system. This is no propaganda,” Uzodimma stated. “The results of these transformative reforms are facts that speak for themselves, even as the country begins to see the macro-level stabilization of the economy.”
Bridging the Gap: Grassroots vs. Macro Gains
Despite his optimism, Uzodimma acknowledged a "disconnect" between high-level economic improvements and the daily struggles of the average Nigerian. He urged the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to serve as vital links between the government's policies and the grassroots population.
- Temporary Adjustment: Acknowledging the current economic hardship as a necessary, albeit painful, phase.
- Advocacy: Encouraging citizens to see beyond immediate inflation toward long-term stability.
- Interpretation: Translating complex federal policies into relatable language for local communities.
“The gains of reforms are permanent, but the pains are temporary,” Uzodimma reassured. “Nigeria is turning the corner. Food prices are gradually stabilizing, and the Naira is finding its strength. We must not despair when we are so close to reaping the fruits of our resilience.”
Dismissing the Opposition
A central theme of Uzodimma's address was the perceived lack of a credible alternative to the APC. He asserted that the opposition lacks a cohesive vision for the country, making Tinubu’s return to power in 2027 a near certainty in his view.
“Our task is not just to work for the re-election of the president—of course, Tinubu will be re-elected,” he said. “The opposition has no alternative vision. Our primary goal is to ensure the people understand and key into the President’s vision.”
Strengthening Regional Support
The summit also featured contributions from regional stakeholders who emphasized the importance of the South-South in Nigeria's political landscape. Leaders at the event, including representatives from across the six South-South states, called for unity within the party to prevent "fragmented messaging" that could empower opposing forces. The consensus remained that the region is pivotal in determining the country's political direction, with growing alignment toward the APC's reform agenda.