By Segun Giwa
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Wednesday said marketing President Bola Tinubu would ensure victory for All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Aiyedatiwa stated this in Akure at the flag-off of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) 2.0, noting that the group’s renewed mobilisation would further strengthen support for the president’s re-election.
The governor said the group’s rebranded agenda, SWAGA 2.0, was aimed at consolidating on the achievements of the current administration and mobilising support ahead of 2027.
‘Unlike the 2023 campaign period when supporters relied largely on Tinubu’s record as former governor of Lagos State, there are now tangible achievements to showcase as the country’s president.
“Today, we have more than enough testimonies to canvass for votes from economic reforms and student loans to efforts at tackling insecurity and improved international relations.
“SWAGA is among the earliest support groups that believed in Tinubu’s presidential ambition at a time many doubted his chances, adding that the vision had since been realised with his emergence as Nigeria’s president.
“SWAGA had one agenda about four years ago, which was captured in its name South-West Agenda for Tinubu, to ensure that Tinubu becomes president. Today, that mission has been accomplished.
“My state returned one of the highest percentages of votes for the president. If anyone is questioning our stake, we worked for it, and we will do even more in 2027.
“In a market, if you have a good product, it is easier to sell. We have a good product in our president, and the job will be much easier for us,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa urged members of the support group to intensify grassroots mobilisation, emphasising that elections were won at the polling unit level.
He said that states in the South-West were already setting ambitious targets, with each aiming to deliver a minimum of one million votes for the president.
Earlier, the National Chairman of SWAGA, Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye, said Tinubu had gained nationwide acceptance, describing the group as a driving force behind the president’s political movement.
Adeyeye, also Chairman, Board of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), said SWAGA faced an uphill task in its early days, especially, trying to convince Nigerians that Tinubu was the right leader at a critical time in the nation’s history.
He highlighted key areas of progress under the current administration, including fuel supply stability, infrastructure development, education reforms and improved fiscal capacity of subnational governments.
Adeyeye also dismissed claims that the president was working toward a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria remained a multi-party democracy.
“Strong leadership attracts support. If people choose to align with him because of performance, that is not coercion.
“In the education sector, this administration has restored stability in universities, reducing disruptions caused by strikes and enabling students to complete their programmes on schedule,” he said.
Similarly, the State Chairman of SWAGA, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, said the group was the earliest even before the president’s emergence as the party’s candidate.
Abegunde said with the level of developmental and monumental achievements, Tinubu would be the first person in the country to win the 36 states of the federation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)