President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that his focus is not on the upcoming 2027 election, but rather on securing a brighter future for the next generation of Nigerians.
He said this on Saturday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Zone Assembly in Lagos, hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Tinubu‘s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed the President’s message, highlighting his commitment to making tough decisions that would ultimately benefit the country.
“Mr. President has asked me to tell you that he is not thinking of the next election but the next generation,” Gbajabiamila said.
“He has asked me to convey his message, that he knows he has taken a very tough decision. He sees the light at the end of the tunnel. The time will come when we will all thank him for the decision,” he added.
Gbajabiamila reiterated Tinubu’s focus, stating, “Mr. President said I should let you know that he is not thinking of the next election but the next generation. For every moment in a country, a particular leader is produced for that time. This is the time to produce a leader that is courageous.”
He added that Tinubu remains deeply committed to the well-being of Nigerians, especially the masses and that despite the difficult reforms, Tinubu is driven by a conviction to lead Nigeria through this period of change.
“For those of us that know him very well, he has a love for the masses. As the people are complaining, he is also pained but when a man has a strong conviction of what he is doing, he pursues it.”
Gbajabiamila also stressed that while Tinubu serves as the President of Nigeria, his political base remained rooted in the South-West, and all discussions at the assembly would be taken seriously.
“The challenges facing our country are vast and complex. But for those who know him, Tinubu has always been a leader with a deep love for the people. He is pained by their struggles, but he is determined to push forward with his vision for Nigeria’s future,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised unity and collaboration within the South West, saying, “We have come as one big family to explore and have more ways to work together. It is to share ideas and agree on strategies to take South West to greater heights.”
Tinubu declares: My focus is the next generation, not 2027 election
Sanwo-Olu and other Southwest leaders in Lagos
He pointed out that the region is blessed with abundant resources, making it well-positioned to drive the country forward.
Sanwo-Olu further noted that the gathering aimed to reignite hope among the people, highlighting the importance of upholding the “strong omoluabi ethos” for the progress of both the region and the nation.
He also urged the leaders and members present to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and focus on moving forward beyond the 2027 election.
Senate Majority Leader and Leader of the South West Caucus in the National Assembly, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, spoke on the strategic role of the South West APC Caucus in the 10th Assembly.
“Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023, the South West Caucus has been a formidable force, contributing significantly to the progress of our legislative duties. Out of the 18 Senators from the South West, 15 are from the APC, making our zone the largest single bloc of APC Senators in the Senate.”
He continued, “This has given us considerable influence, and we have used it effectively for the good of our people. First and foremost, we aligned ourselves with the party’s leadership, ensuring that the leadership structure of the Senate and House of Representatives was in line with the dictates of our great party.”
Opeyemi added that the South West Caucus had remained steadfast in supporting Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Jubrin Barau, particularly when there were baseless allegations of budget padding. “The South West Caucus remains a stabilizing force in the Senate,” he affirmed.
The Senator also highlighted the recognition the South West has received in Senate leadership roles, including his own position as Senate Leader, and the Chief Whip role in the House of Representatives.
“This extends to key committee leadership roles, which further amplifies our influence in national decision-making,” he said.
Keynote speaker and former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, called for the replication of the South West Caucus model at the state and local government levels.
“We in the South West zone should set an example by ensuring that the caucus is replicated at the National Assembly to the State and local government levels,” Fayemi said.
He urged the APC to continue forging a united front, expressing confidence that the party would remain strong and fulfill the “renewed hope agenda” of President Tinubu.
“We cannot continue to rest on our oars as a party. I am convinced that APC will remain strong to accomplish the unfinished business of the renewed hope agenda of Mr President,” he said.
The event was attended by , ex-interim National Chairman, APC, Bisi Akande; former Ogun Governors Olusegun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun, and Lagos GAC leader Tajudeen Olusi. Governors Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State were also present.