By Ibrahim Kegbegbe, Abuja
A coalition of serving and former local government councillors across Nigeria has formally declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election, citing what it described as far-reaching reforms at the grassroots level.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday in Abuja by the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria during a press briefing attended by representatives from across the federation.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, its President, Dr Evoh Ugochukwu, said the decision followed extensive consultations and an assessment of the Tinubu administration’s performance since assuming office in May 2023.
According to him, the administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, improved funding mechanisms, and accountability has begun to reverse years of neglect at the third tier of government.
“Since President Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria has witnessed forward-looking leadership that recognises the strategic importance of local governments in national development,” Evoh said.
He noted that the restoration of local government autonomy has translated into improved service delivery, renewed focus on rural development, and more transparent financial management at the grassroots.
Evoh also highlighted the expansion of social investment programmes, infrastructure development, and reforms in agriculture and economic management as key achievements resonating with communities at ward and village levels.
“These are not campaign promises. They are visible policies that are already transforming lives in our communities,” he said.
On national security, the forum commended the administration’s efforts to modernise the Armed Forces through enhanced intelligence gathering, deployment of technology, improved welfare for security personnel, and sustained operations against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
“Security is the foundation of development. The decisive actions taken by this administration have restored confidence and created safer environments for economic and social activities,” Evoh added.
The National Councillors Forum, which represents 8,809 councillors drawn from 774 local government areas across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, said its endorsement was unanimous.
“Based on facts, evidence, and the realities on the ground, we unanimously declare our total, unwavering, and unconditional support for His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for re-election in 2027,” Evoh stated.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the forum also pledged to mobilise grassroots support nationwide, noting that councillors remain the closest elected officials to the people and play a critical role in shaping public opinion at the community level.
Political analysts say the endorsement underscores the growing importance of grassroots actors in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, as parties and aspirants intensify early alignments ahead of the next election cycle.
