Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, a prominent Niger Delta leader, and the Yoruba socio-cultural group, the Yoruba Aborigines Progressive Initiative (YAPI), have both pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
In statements released on Sunday, both groups highlighted the president’s accomplishments in key areas, including security, economic development, infrastructure, and social progress.
Tompolo lauded Tinubu, describing him as “a leader who excels in challenging circumstances, making bold, transformative decisions that have set Nigeria on a path to sustainable development.”
YAPI’s chairman, Olushola John, drew attention to notable initiatives launched by the Tinubu administration, including the introduction of student loan facilities, the removal of Customs duties on imported pharmaceuticals to reduce costs, and efforts to mitigate rising food prices.
The group also underscored major policy decisions made by Tinubu, such as the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy, the revival of Nigeria’s refineries, and the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, viewing these as vital milestones for the country’s progress.
Ekpemupolo, also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, reaffirmed his commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, alongside other progressive leaders in the Niger Delta.
He commended the president’s actions against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which have contributed to increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production from 600,000 barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day.
“We will join other progressive-minded leaders and the good people of the Niger Delta to advocate for your continuity beyond 2027,” Ekpemupolo declared. “Our support remains unwavering. It’s your turn for another four years, and we are fully behind you.”
He went on to highlight several accomplishments of the Tinubu administration, including the doubling of national revenue to over N9.1 trillion, reducing debt servicing expenditure from 97% to 68%, clearing $5 billion in foreign exchange obligations, revitalizing the oil and gas sector, and launching the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.
Additional achievements noted were the creation of the Student Loan Fund, with N45.6 billion disbursed to students, unlocking a potential $700 billion from the solid minerals sector, and advancing major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of a unified foreign exchange system, were also praised for transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape.
In reasserting its support for Tinubu’s second term, YAPI spokesperson Olatubosun Awonuga commented, “It’s not only YAPI that is backing the president’s second-term bid; many other social-interest groups are also supporting him. YAPI’s endorsement stems from our commitment to justice, equity, and fairness, and our desire to contribute to the nation’s development.”
