Morganable Politics/Elections
While the reforms were widely seen as bold, they also triggered immediate economic consequences, including a sharp rise in fuel prices, increased transportation costs and a general surge in the prices of goods and services, intensifying the cost-of-living crisis for many Nigerians
kaNo —
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s economic transformation, pledging not to betray the trust reposed in him by citizens while defending the tough reforms introduced by his administration as necessary steps toward building a more prosperous nation.
The President made the remarks through Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the inauguration of executives of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement on Thursday, a grassroots mobilisation initiative designed to promote the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda across the country.
Addressing a gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups and other stakeholders, Tinubu said the movement represented a critical platform for engaging Nigerians directly at the community level and reinforcing confidence in democratic governance.
“I am delighted to be here, to see what Nigerians are doing from their hearts for the development of the nation. I can see people interested in the future of the country,” the President said.
“I am determined never to betray the trust of Nigerians and the vision of ensuring a better Nigeria.”He added
The launch of the campaign structure comes more than three years after Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, when he announced the removal of the petrol subsidy, declaring that “subsidy is gone.” The decision, alongside the unification of the foreign exchange market, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s economic policy direction.
While the reforms were widely seen as bold, they also triggered immediate economic consequences, including a sharp rise in fuel prices, increased transportation costs and a general surge in the prices of goods and services, intensifying the cost-of-living crisis for many Nigerians.
Despite these challenges, the Federal Government has consistently maintained that the reforms are beginning to yield positive outcomes, arguing that funds saved from subsidy removal are being redirected into programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare and driving long-term national development.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio Lauds Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Speaking on behalf of the President, Akpabio defended the administration’s policies, stating that the reforms had significantly improved Nigeria’s fiscal position, particularly in terms of revenue allocation to the three tiers of government.
According to him, monthly allocations have increased from less than N700bn to over N2tn, providing states with greater financial capacity to execute development projects and reduce dependence on borrowing.
“We appreciate the President for putting on a thinking cap and turning Nigeria around in just three years. A nation that had less than N700bn is now sharing over N2tn monthly with the states and the Federal Government,” Akpabio said.
He added that several state governments were now experiencing improved financial stability, attributing the development to the administration’s push toward diversifying the economy away from oil dependence.
“And the governors here can confirm, particularly Governor Umaru Bago and Governor Dapo Abiodun, that they no longer borrow money because we have been able to build a non-oil economy,” he said.
“We are no longer a mono-economy dependent on oil because of the thinking of this President. So, you can imagine supporting him beyond 2027. I can see a brighter future.”
Tinubu Emphasize Grassroot Engagements
“Every great nation is built one citizen at a time, like a building block; one community at a time. Before there are crowds, there are households. Before there are victories at the ballot boxes, there are competitions at the doorsteps of every home,” he said.
He urged members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to go beyond political mobilisation and serve as ambassadors of democratic values, encouraging them to engage citizens respectfully and communicate the benefits of government policies effectively.
“A movement that goes from door to door must do more than just seek support from every door it touches. It must carry truth, inspire confidence, listen to the people and household owners, and return to those same doors to tell them about the dividends of good governance,” he stated.
“The purpose of reform is not to make life difficult for the people, but to lay the foundation upon which future generations can build lives of greater dignity, prosperity, opportunities, and lasting progress. Lasting progress is rarely achieved without temporary sacrifice,” he said.
Tinubu further stressed the need for unity across political divides, warning against allowing partisan differences to undermine national cohesion.
“Politics should never divide us beyond repair. Elections may produce winners and losers, but Nigeria must always emerge the ultimate victor,” he said.
He called on all arms of government and citizens to work collectively in advancing the country’s development agenda, noting that collaboration between the executive and legislature had been instrumental in driving key reforms.
“You have chosen to take politics back to where it belongs, to the people and the Nigerian citizens,” Abbas said, adding that the partnership between the executive and legislature had produced policies aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, praised the administration’s reform agenda, describing it as a strategic effort to stabilise the economy and promote sustainable growth.
He noted that initiatives such as fuel subsidy removal, tax reforms and economic diversification were part of a broader plan to strengthen Nigeria’s financial resilience and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Reflects Early Political Structures
Observers say the inauguration of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement executives signals an early consolidation of political structures ahead of future electoral contests, even as the administration continues to defend its policy direction amid mixed public reactions.
While government officials highlight improvements in revenue generation and fiscal stability, critics argue that the immediate impact of the reforms has placed significant strain on households, with many Nigerians still grappling with inflation and reduced purchasing power.
Nonetheless, Tinubu expressed confidence that the long-term benefits of the reforms would outweigh the short-term challenges, urging citizens to remain patient and supportive of the government’s vision.
“As you are inaugurated today, remember that you are ambassadors, not merely of a political movement, but of democratic engagement and process,” he said.
“Knock on every door with respect. Listen before you persist. Unite before you mobilise. Let every conversation strengthen faith in our democracy and confidence in Nigeria’s future.”
He concluded by linking the grassroots campaign to the broader Renewed Hope agenda, describing it as a pathway to national renewal and shared prosperity.
“When politics is conducted with patriotism and service, every door opened becomes another gateway to national renewal. And every door leads to renewed hope for a greater Nigeria and, of course, a more prosperous nation,” the President said.
