'Security of Lives and Property to Top Tinubu’s Agenda in 2nd Term' – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has outlined President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for a second term, placing the security of lives and property at the centre of its 2027 manifesto.

Speaking at the presentation of the party’s policy document titled “Transiting from Reforms to Shared Prosperity” in Abuja, APC leaders said a re-elected Tinubu administration would focus on strengthening national security, economic growth, infrastructure development, affordable living, and accountable governance.

To improve security, the APC pledged to recruit an additional 28,000 military personnel and 50,000 police officers. The party also promised to complete and equip four new Army divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo, and Benin City, while intensifying intelligence-led operations against insurgents, kidnappers, and other criminal groups.

The manifesto further proposes the deployment of trained Forest Guards, Agro-Rangers, and Mining Marshals to protect farming communities, forest reserves, grazing routes, and mineral-rich areas from criminal activities.

Presenting the document, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and Deputy Director of the APC Presidential Campaign Council’s Manifesto and Policy Directorate, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the administration aims to create a safer and more prosperous nation where citizens can pursue their ambitions without fear.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, called on Nigerians to evaluate the APC based on its previous and current manifestoes, arguing that the party has fulfilled many of the promises made since taking office in 2023.

He acknowledged the economic hardship caused by ongoing reforms but defended the administration’s decisions on fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at securing Nigeria’s future.

According to him, the 2027 manifesto is built on four key pillars: a secure and resilient nation; a better quality of life for Nigerians; energy, infrastructure and economic growth; and effective, accountable governance.

Key Targets by 2031

The APC outlined several targets to be achieved by 2031, including:

•Increasing electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts.

•Achieving annual economic growth of six per cent.

•Reducing youth unemployment and the number of out-of-school children by half.

•Recruiting 20,000 additional teachers.

•Expanding health insurance coverage to 40 per cent of Nigerians.

•Ensuring 90 per cent functionality of primary healthcare centres.

•Delivering 200,000 homes through the Tinubu Mass Social Housing Scheme.

•Installing seven million additional electricity meters nationwide.

Gbajabiamila said the government would publish performance targets and regularly report progress to Nigerians to strengthen transparency and accountability.

Alake Defends Economic Reforms

Minister of Solid Minerals and APC campaign spokesperson, Dele Alake, praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms.

He described the measures as bold decisions taken despite potential political consequences and argued that they were necessary to reposition the Nigerian economy for long-term growth.

Economic Progress Recorded, Says Bagudu

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said Nigeria has experienced steady economic growth since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. However, he acknowledged that more work is needed to ensure the benefits of growth are felt by ordinary Nigerians.

Bagudu said the administration remains focused on improving living standards and extending economic opportunities to all citizens.

NELFUND Benefiting Millions, Idris Says

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, highlighted the impact of government programmes, noting that approximately 1.6 million Nigerians have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He also cited improvements in security along major highways, ongoing infrastructure projects, and easing inflationary pressures as indicators of the administration’s progress.

Idris urged Nigerians and the media to support national development efforts, stressing that the reforms are intended to lay the foundation for sustainable prosperity and growth.

The APC said it would seek a renewed mandate in the 2027 presidential election on the basis of its reform agenda, security plans, and commitment to delivering broader economic benefits to Nigerians.