The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has charged youths across the 19 northern states to intensify grassroots mobilisation in support of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The Distinguished Senate President who gave the charge on Wednesday when members of the Arewa Revival Project, a northern youth group led by its Project Coordinator, Hon. Mustafa Ibrahim, paid him a courtesy visit in his office and presented him with an award in recognition of his contributions to nation-building and national development.
The Senate President, while appreciating the group for the honour, urged its members to sustain their engagement with people at the grassroots and enlighten Nigerians on the importance of continuity in governance, particularly in view of the ongoing reforms and developmental initiatives of the Tinubu administration.
He maintained that President Tinubu had demonstrated uncommon courage and commitment in confronting the nation’s economic challenges, stressing that the administration’s policies were laying a foundation for sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.
“I expect the Nigerian youth to rise above social media propaganda because this President has managed to take us out of mono economy — an economy that was dependent only on crude oil. He has brought innovations to bear through the tax reform system, through tinkering with anachronistic laws,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President further expressed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu, describing his administration’s achievements as remarkable and deserving of continued support from Nigerians.
“No President has achieved the level of development that he has done in this country today since independence. The naysayers will not want to say so. But I’m very proud and members of the National Assembly are very proud.
“We hold our heads very high and say yes, we have given him a pass mark and that we have endorsed him to come for a second term in office,” he declared.
Dr. Akpabio noted that the President had continued to demonstrate the political will to confront longstanding national challenges, adding that the ongoing reforms required sufficient time to yield their full benefits.
“You don’t change a winning team. He is doing so well. Allow his policies to crystallise. This is not somebody who is coming to experiment. He is already doing it,” he said.
Addressing the visiting youths, the Senate President emphasised their strategic importance in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic future, urging them to remain actively involved in national development.
According to him, the decisions and policies being implemented by the present administration were intended to stabilise the country and secure a better future for younger generations.
“Whatever we are doing today, we are doing it to stabilise your future and ensure the survival of Nigeria. So it is good that you are seeing it,” Akpabio stated.
He urged members of the Arewa Revival Project not to be discouraged by criticisms of the administration on social media, but to continue engaging Nigerians through grassroots sensitisation and constructive political participation.
Dr. Akpabio further encouraged the group to organise periodic engagements with young people to discuss government policies, ongoing reforms and their implications for national development.
Speaking on the security situation in the country, the Senate President disclosed that efforts were being intensified to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, expressing optimism that the proposed establishment of State Police would soon become a reality.
He said the decentralisation of policing would enhance security operations and strengthen the capacity of states to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
“As I speak with you now, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, it may not take us a month before we have State Police system — decentralised policing in the country — because about 30 states have endorsed the amendment to the Nigerian Constitution to bring about State Police system which will further increase the security of the nation,” he stated.
Dr. Akpabio expressed confidence that the security challenges confronting the country would be overcome through sustained government interventions and ongoing reforms.
“I always tell them that the devil that you see today, you will soon see them no more. Very soon, we shall overcome the insecurity that we face today. So feel confident as you go round campaigning,” the Senate President assured.
Earlier in his remarks, the Project Coordinator of the Arewa Revival Project, Hon. Mustafa Ibrahim, said the decision to honour Akpabio was informed by his outstanding contributions to nation-building and the achievements recorded under his leadership of the 10th National Assembly.
Ibrahim commended the Senate President for his commitment to national development, describing the award as a recognition of his leadership and contributions to the advancement of the country.
The visit underscored the group’s engagement with national leadership and its interest in promoting grassroots political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
EmemMaria Ntedodom Offiong, nipr
Deputy Director (Head: Information, Press and Public Relations)
+2347082203400
Emy.offiong@fmino.gov.ng
28th October, 2026.
