President Bola Tinubu has vowed to defeat those he described as enemies of Nigeria’s unity and stability, addressing supporters at an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State. Speaking on Tuesday, the President acknowledged the region's security challenges but urged citizens to collaborate with law enforcement and their neighbors to report suspicious activities. He stated, “We have been through many wars. We will defeat our enemies. Enemies of unity, enemies of stability, enemies of all.”
Tinubu highlighted recent government measures to bolster national security, noting that the police and armed forces have been strengthened and that personnel are receiving improved salaries and housing benefits. He firmly dismissed rumors regarding the return of the fuel subsidy, telling the crowd, “To those who say subsidy is coming back, it’s a lie. Don’t let them lie to you again.”
On economic matters, the President outlined plans to support the agricultural sector through interest-free loans for farmers and the establishment of mechanized farming service centers in six geographical locations. He emphasized that universities would increase research and development in agriculture to lower food prices. Additionally, Tinubu defended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a “weapon against poverty” and stating that all assets recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be directed to the fund.
During the event, Tinubu officially launched the APC’s manifesto for the upcoming elections. The document outlines commitments to reducing the cost of living, ensuring reliable power, strengthening the industrial base, and expanding health insurance coverage to more than 23 million people. Other key pledges include the recruitment of 20,000 additional teachers, the provision of affordable housing, and the creation of wider job opportunities for small and medium businesses.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who also addressed the rally, declared Jigawa State an APC stronghold ahead of the 2027 general elections. He claimed that all four former governors of the state—Ali Sa’adu, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, and Sule Lamido—support the ruling party. Shettima urged residents to reciprocate the President’s support for the North by voting for Tinubu and other APC candidates, expressing confidence in a landslide victory.
Shettima also criticized Rotimi Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over reported remarks accusing late former President Muhammadu Buhari of deceiving him. Shettima described the comments as disrespectful to the North. Earlier in the proceedings, APC Presidential Campaign Council Director General Senator Abdul’aziz Yari praised Tinubu’s democratic record, stating that the President has successfully interfaced with and defeated the “enemies of democracy.”
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
