Presidency Urges Critics to Focus on Nation-Building, Not 2027 Politics
The Presidency has called on critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to desist from using the 2027 general election as a political weapon to threaten the President.
The appeal was made by Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), who emphasized that Tinubu’s reforms are aimed at addressing long-standing economic challenges and fostering growth.
Defense of Tinubu’s Policies
In a post shared on her X account on Tuesday, Mrs. Essiet highlighted that Tinubu’s reforms—such as the Tax Reform Bill, local government autonomy, and financial reforms—reflect a commitment to fixing Nigeria’s economy rather than pandering to political expediency.
She remarked, “No president who doesn’t mean well for the country would push for these kinds of reforms in their first tenure. Most presidents would delay such measures until their second term, but President Tinubu is prioritizing the nation’s long-term development over short-term political considerations.”
Response to Political Threats
Addressing criticisms and threats tied to the upcoming 2027 elections, Essiet stated, “Stop going to the media to threaten the president about 2027. Politics is not a job. If you’re jobless, continue having breakfast meetings until 2027. This administration is focused on solving Nigeria’s problems, not engaging in needless politicking.”
She urged critics to support the government’s efforts rather than politicizing every reform, stressing, “Leave politics for 2026. Right now, it’s about taking Nigeria to the promised land and resolving deep-seated issues such as multi-taxation through comprehensive tax reforms.”
Encouraging Public Awareness
Mrs. Essiet also advised Nigerians to independently educate themselves on the details of the Tax Reform Bill rather than relying on biased interpretations from paid social media influencers or politically motivated platforms.
“Read about the tax reform bills yourself. Influencers are often paid to create public sentiment around these reforms. Let’s move away from gullibility and engage in intellectual discourse,” she added.
The Bigger Picture
The Tax Reform Bill, a key component of Tinubu’s economic agenda, has faced both criticism and support. While opponents argue it might burden certain demographics, proponents see it as a necessary step to streamline taxation and boost fiscal responsibility.
The Presidency’s message reflects a broader call for unity and constructive dialogue, urging all stakeholders to prioritize national development over partisan interests as the administration works to implement its ambitious reform agenda.
