Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the toughest phase of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms is over, assuring Nigerians that a renewed mandate in 2027 would usher in prosperity and tangible rewards for their sacrifices.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, where he urged voters to re-elect Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other APC candidates.
Describing a second term as a “season of harvest”, the Vice President insisted that the administration had laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth and that opposition parties lacked the capacity to improve the country’s economic trajectory.
“We are confident of this promise to deliver for this nation because we have already done the most difficult job of economic reset. None of the other options available has the capacity to move the needle of the economy.
“We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians.
“I therefore stand before you today to ask you, once again, to renew the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and myself as Vice President.
“And another term for Senator Bassey Edet Otu and Hon. Peter Odey as Governor and Deputy Governor of Cross River State, respectively,” Shettima said.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said a renewed mandate would enable the administration to consolidate its reforms and translate its economic policies into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
Highlighting projects expected to boost Cross River’s economy, he identified the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a major infrastructure investment that would improve transportation, promote tourism, attract investment and create jobs.
He also said the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port had secured Federal Government approval and support, adding that the project would position Cross River as an international maritime gateway when completed.
Shettima further identified the proposed location of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as an initiative that could attract diplomatic and commercial activities to the state.
On the dispute over 46 oil wells, he said the Federal Government recognised Cross River’s littoral status and was prepared to facilitate a resolution that would expand the state’s opportunities in the blue economy and maritime sector.
The Vice President also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and Project HOPE Education as interventions aimed at improving access to education, supporting students and strengthening foundational learning.
Acknowledging the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, Shettima said the government remained committed to addressing public concerns, stressing that support for the administration should not prevent citizens from demanding accountability.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentanwe Yilwatda, urged Cross River residents to support the party’s candidates, citing Federal Government backing for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, efforts to revive the Calabar Port and the Trans-Sahara Superhighway.
Governor Otu praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, expressing confidence that the President’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security would deliver long-term benefits.
Also speaking, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, dismissed suggestions that the North would oppose Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that the President had earned another mandate.
Before the rally, Shettima led an APC delegation on a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where he sought the monarch’s support for the party.
The monarch urged political leaders to promote unity and peaceful coexistence, while commending Tinubu’s willingness to implement difficult economic reforms.
