The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima as the most formidable in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Yilwatda made the declaration on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said the combination of Tinubu and Shettima offered the political experience, courage and leadership capacity required to address the country’s challenges and achieve sustainable development.

He praised Tinubu for taking what he described as difficult but necessary decisions to address longstanding structural problems in the economy.

Yilwatda cited the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market as major policy decisions aimed at strengthening public finances and laying the foundation for economic growth.

While acknowledging that the reforms had created difficulties for households and businesses, he said the administration was implementing economic stabilisation measures, social interventions and infrastructure investments to cushion their effects.

The APC chairman also highlighted the Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme, particularly major highway projects, which he said would improve connectivity, facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs and create economic opportunities.

He urged Nigerians to look beyond the immediate difficulties associated with the reforms, arguing that a second term would enable the administration to consolidate its policies and deliver their expected benefits.

Yilwatda described Tinubu as a leader willing to take decisions in the national interest rather than prioritise political convenience.

On Rivers State, he commended members of the Rainbow Coalition and other political stakeholders for supporting Tinubu’s re-election campaign across party lines.

He expressed confidence that the political alliance would strengthen the President’s support base in the state, citing the mobilisation capacity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other political leaders.

Yilwatda predicted that their combined influence would translate into substantial electoral support for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.