Former Sokoto State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Shehu Shagari has urged voters across northern Nigeria to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election, citing infrastructure development and ongoing government reforms in a statement released on Monday, October 26, 2026, following the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State on Saturday.

Mr Shagari, a former Minister of Water Resources and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, described the campaign rally as evidence of the APC’s organisational strength and determination to mobilise support ahead of the election.

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In a statement signed by his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, the former deputy governor congratulated President Tinubu, the APC leadership, northern governors and other party stakeholders on the event, which brought together party officials and grassroots supporters in Kaduna.

Mr Shagari said the turnout reflected the political significance of northern Nigeria and the importance of sustained engagement with voters as the governing party seeks another presidential mandate.

He also commended party leaders for their roles in organising the rally, stressing that internal cohesion, cooperation and effective communication with citizens would be essential to the APC’s electoral prospects.

His endorsement comes as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential contest.

At the Kaduna rally, President Tinubu’s campaign team and other party leaders urged supporters to mobilise voters ahead of the election scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission for January 16, 2027.

A central part of Mr Shagari’s argument was the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme, particularly the Kaduna-Abuja highway project, which President Tinubu inaugurated during the campaign flag-off.

The State House said the president inaugurated an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway on October 24.

The ceremony formed part of the campaign event in Kaduna.

Mr Shagari described the road project as an important infrastructure achievement, arguing that improved transport links could ease the movement of people and goods while supporting commercial activities across the region.

“I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Kaduna-Abuja road project and the efforts made to improve critical infrastructure across the country,” he said.

He added that an efficient road network was essential to economic growth because it could reduce transportation difficulties for commuters and businesses while improving the movement of goods and services.

According to the former minister, farmers, small-scale traders, transport operators and other economic players could benefit from improved road infrastructure through better access to markets and more efficient distribution of goods.

However, Mr Shagari acknowledged that infrastructure development must be accompanied by broader improvements in governance. He urged the Federal Government to sustain its projects while giving greater attention to security, economic stability, employment generation and social protection.

“Nigerians expect governance to produce visible improvements in their livelihoods,” he said.

The statement underscored the distinction between political support and public expectations, with Mr Shagari arguing that the administration must continue to demonstrate how its policies translate into practical benefits for citizens.

His appeal comes against the backdrop of wider public debate over the economic consequences of government reforms, including the cost of living and the pressure on household incomes.

While the former deputy governor presented infrastructure development and policy continuity as reasons to support a second term, he also stressed the need for transparency, accountability and responsive leadership.

The argument for continuity, as advanced by Mr Shagari, is that another term would give President Tinubu an opportunity to consolidate ongoing projects, strengthen existing reforms and pursue further development initiatives.

The extent to which that prospect appeals to voters will depend partly on their assessment of the administration’s record and its ability to address pressing economic and security concerns.

Mr Shagari expressed confidence that the president could secure substantial support in the North, urging voters to back the re-election bid.

His statement did not provide polling figures or other independent evidence establishing the likely level of regional support.

Beyond federal politics, the former deputy governor also praised Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, social welfare, human capital development and policies aimed at improving residents’ lives.

He said continued investment in these areas was important to raising living standards and supporting development across Sokoto State.

As the 2027 election approaches, Mr Shagari’s appeal places infrastructure and policy continuity at the centre of his case for President Tinubu’s re-election.

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His message to northern voters was accompanied by a broader expectation that political leadership must deliver measurable improvements in security, economic opportunity and everyday living conditions.