By Leonard Okachie
Obuohia (Abia), Dec. 29, 2025 (NAN)
A prominent political figure from Nigeria’s South-East, Chief Sam Onuigbo, has voiced a robust and optimistic assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s political future, asserting that the President’s first-term actions have positioned him strongly for re-election in 2027.
Onuigbo, a former two-term federal lawmaker and current representative of the South-East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), made these remarks during an interview with journalists. The occasion was a family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
His conviction, he explained, is rooted in what he describes as the President’s courageous and strategic policy decisions aimed at fundamentally repositioning Nigeria for long-term prosperity, sustainable growth, and enhanced security. While acknowledging the significant economic and social challenges facing the nation—a point of widespread public discourse—Onuigbo argued that Tinubu’s administration has successfully steered the country through a complex transitional period.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that in 2027, Tinubu will be re-elected as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Onuigbo stated emphatically. He then provided specific, data-driven justifications for his claim, moving beyond general praise to cite tangible metrics:
- Economic Indicators: “The fact from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that prices of food items have been coming down steadily… Also, inflation has come down, and he has been able to unify the foreign exchange rates.” This reference to forex unification is a critical point, as it addresses a long-standing distortion in the Nigerian economy, though its full benefits and downstream effects remain a subject of expert analysis and public experience.
- Fuel Supply Stability: “Interestingly, nobody has gone in search of fuel with jerry cans throughout this festive period.” He highlighted this as a visible sign of improved logistical management in the downstream petroleum sector, a perennial headache for Nigerians during holidays.
Onuigbo framed these developments as “upward economic movements,” suggesting a narrative of gradual recovery and stabilization. His perspective offers a counterpoint to prevailing public sentiment, providing insight into the political calculus within certain corridors of power. It underscores the argument that the Tinubu administration is betting on its reformist agenda yielding palpable results before the 2027 polls.
The event itself was a personal celebration of gratitude. Onuigbo, a former Commissioner for Lands and Finance in Abia State, explained that the thanksgiving was to honor God’s mercies and protection through political challenges and his family’s journey from humble beginnings. In a tangible act of appreciation, he pledged to rebuild the community church.
The sermon by the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Aba, reinforced the theme of gratitude, drawing from the biblical story of the ten lepers. The high-profile attendance, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Senator for Abia Central Austin Akobundu, signaled Onuigbo’s continued relevance within political and regional networks.
Analysis: Onuigbo’s endorsement is significant for several reasons. As a South-East leader speaking positively about a President from the South-West, it hints at potential coalition-building efforts ahead of 2027. His focus on statistical indicators suggests the administration’s re-election strategy will heavily emphasize data on macroeconomic trends, attempting to shift the narrative from current hardships to future gains. However, the ultimate electoral test will depend on whether the majority of Nigerians feel these “upward movements” translate into improved daily living standards by 2027.
(Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz)
Source: NAN News
