Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila stated that since taking office, President Bola Tinubu has governed as a statesman rather than a politician.
He explained that Tinubu deliberately chose to address the country’s foundational economic distortions, despite potential short-term political costs.
He made these remarks in Abuja on Tuesday while defending the Federal Government’s economic policies at the unveiling of the Tinubu administration’s 2027–2031 electoral roadmap, titled “From Reforms To Prosperity Agenda.”
He stated that the administration’s primary goal is to create an environment where honest work ensures a decent livelihood.
Gbajabiamila drew a sharp distinction between leadership focused on short-term electoral gains and statesmanship committed to long-term national interests. Assuming office, deliberately chose to govern as a statesman rather than a politician by confronting foundational economic distortions head-on, regardless of immediate political costs.
The chief of staff noted that while typical politicians focus on upcoming elections, true leaders prioritize the next generation and the public’s interests.
He stated that Tinubu faced a choice between governing as a politician and as a leader, highlighting the significant difference between the two.
“But instead, knowing full well the immediate consequences, he decided he would govern as a leader,” Gbajabiamila said.
He assured that Tinubu is addressing the significant social pressures resulting from the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system.
He acknowledged the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians but stressed that alternative actions would have jeopardized the country’s future economic viability.
“Now, those decisions have placed real pressure on households. We must speak honestly about that experience because the people living through it deserve to be heard. And nobody should have to pretend that life is easy at the moment,” Gbajabiamila said.
He addeHe added that despite short-term challenges, the true measure of the reforms will be their ability to deliver tangible, everyday benefits to Nigerians. Speaker of the House of Representatives described the Tinubu administration’s new roadmap as bold and audacious, linking it directly to the president’s personal political philosophy.
He characterized the policy document as a binding legal and moral commitment to the public. Your country should give your best efforts a fair chance.
“A manifesto, in its strictest sense, is simply a contract between the people and the leader,” he said.
Gbajabiamila stated that the administration aims to empower youths to pursue their ambitions and ensure public service delivery without political patronage.
He noted that key structural reforms are already being implemented under the administration.
He cited human capital and social support initiatives, such as the N-Power program and student loans, which are expanding opportunities and helping to offset tuition and living costs.
He also highlighted the administration’s fiscal fairness policy, including tax reforms aimed at reducing the burden on low-income earners and small businesses.
He noted that the Electricity Act empowers states to establish and regulate local power markets, encouraging investment and expanding energy access. Gbajabiamila emphasized the need for transparent mechanisms that allow citizens to monitor progress and hold public officials accountable. He urged All Progressives Congress (APC) members and stakeholders to effectively defend the administration’s record and engage directly with communities.
“The party asking to continue in government must be prepared to answer the people whose mandate it seeks.
“We must earn support through the quality of work, through the quality of our case and the seriousness of our conduct,” he said.
Gbajabiamila said the 2027 general election will offer Nigerians a clear choice: to continue reforms aimed at correcting systemic issues or return to short-term political approaches.
