A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Professor Anthony Agbazuere, has expressed confidence that the South-East region will back President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Ikem Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area, Agbazuere urged prospective challengers to step aside and allow Tinubu to complete his agenda for national development.
According to him, the President has made significant progress in stabilising Nigeria’s economy and restoring public confidence through bold policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies.
“Tinubu’s policies have freed up resources for development at the state and local government levels,” Agbazuere stated.
“The subsidy regime only benefited smugglers and neighbouring countries. Removing it was a courageous decision that allowed funds to be redirected to actual development.”
Agbazuere cited the creation of the South-East Development Commission as another major reason Tinubu’s popularity is rising in the region.
The commission is designed to address longstanding developmental challenges linked to the aftermath of the civil war.
He said many in the South-East appreciate Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “special species of man” whose commitment to governance is undeniable.
“Only those with little understanding of economic reality would question his achievements so far,” he added.
The APC chieftain praised Tinubu for initiating the student loan scheme, which aims to support children from low-income families in accessing higher education.
He emphasized that the scheme ensures repayment only begins when beneficiaries gain employment, allowing students to focus on completing their university education.
On fiscal reforms, Agbazuere noted that Tinubu’s government has modernized the country’s tax system by exempting low-income earners and unemployed citizens from paying taxes, a move he described as “unprecedented in Nigerian history.”
He also commended the administration for pushing local government autonomy through a Supreme Court ruling mandating direct allocation of funds to local councils.
However, he accused state governors of frustrating the implementation of the ruling by refusing to comply.
Agbazuere called for unity within the APC and urged Nigerians to give Tinubu the full eight-year opportunity to implement his vision.
“Tinubu inherited an economy where money was being printed to survive, mortgaging the future of our children. He put a stop to that. His leadership deserves continuity,” he said.
The meeting, convened by Chief Ebere Nwachukwu, brought together APC members from the Ukwa la Ngwa bloc.
Nwachukwu emphasized the importance of internal unity as the party prepares for its upcoming congress in October.
He also revealed that APC members in Abia are already strategizing to secure victory in the 2027 governorship election.
