The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that many Nigerians, especially residents of Surulere, want the President to continue in office beyond 2027.
Speaking after participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election at Ward G2 of Adeniran Ogunsanya Surulere constituency, I, Gbajabiamila, said people still believe in the administration despite current economic challenges.
Gbajabiamila said Nigerians understand that the reforms being implemented by President Tinubu would yield long-term benefits.
He explained that the massive crowd that turned out are supporters of President Tinubu, describing it as an indication of the people’s desire for continuity of the administration beyond 2027.
He said the crowd gathered for “one reason and one reason only,” which, according to him, was to demonstrate love and support for the President, linking the current reforms to the pains associated with pregnancy, saying the eventual outcome would justify the temporary hardship.
Gbajabiamila said, “This crowd is out here for one reason and one reason only. To express their love, to express their desire for continuity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the next four years.
“And you can see the crowd, overwhelming, and we are grateful, we are grateful. You can see under the hot sun, you can see my 96-year-old mother as well, and the young, the old, men, women, they are all here.
“It turns out there are large numbers because of the good work of this government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That’s why they are here.
“A lot of people in Nigeria, a lot of people are very discerning. They understand the policies of this government.
“They understand that the reward of these policies will be reaped in the long term. When you are reforming, you don’t expect the gains in the short term or the very next day, no. It’s a long-term thing.
“As the President has always said, it’s like the birth pains of a pregnant woman. For eight to nine months, you’re pregnant, you’re uncomfortable, there’s a lot of discomfort, and you’re in pain sometimes.
“But at the end of the day, when you deliver that child, all those pains are forgotten. All those pains are completely out the window and you begin to enjoy the benefits of your newborn baby.
“It’s a necessary reform the President has put in place. It takes boldness, it takes courage, and it takes a man with vision.”
Also speaking, a party member, Mr Adisa Owolabi, said the confidence in putting a vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term is out of love.
“To know a government with a better future it starts from a single reform and the road is not always smooth to success. Just like the saying No pain no gain,” Adisa said.
