Shettima Leads APC Campaign In Ondo, Says Tinubu’s Reforms Boosting State Revenues

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu are strengthening the finances of state governments and creating room for increased investment in infrastructure and social services.

Shettima stated this on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State, while leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council at a rally to canvass support for Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.

He disclosed that Ondo State received more than 22 per cent additional revenue from the Federation Account in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

According to the Vice President, the increased allocation has expanded the state’s capacity to invest in roads, agriculture, power, education and healthcare.

“Our promise to prioritise the welfare of Ondo State has been demonstrated through the increased revenue accruing to Ondo State. This has come with President Tinubu’s reforms. Even in the first nine months of this year, Ondo received over 22 per cent more from the Federation Account than it did in the same period last year,” he said.

Shettima, who represented the President at the rally held at Akure Township Stadium, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for deploying available resources to development projects.

He said the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government and development partners, had constructed, rehabilitated and maintained more than 386 kilometres of rural roads to improve access to farms and markets.

The Vice President also listed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said had reached Ajegunle in Ilaje, the revalidation of the Port Ondo licence and the completion of 48 kilometres of concrete pavement on the Sagamu-Ore Road among projects benefiting the state.

In the power sector, he announced the completion and commissioning of the Ode-Erinje transmission line and substation, while noting that pipes had begun arriving for the Owena water supply project in Akure.

He further cited the operationalisation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital, five TETFund projects at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and healthcare interventions covering 203 public facilities under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Shettima said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, student hostel projects, MSME financing and grants were also expanding opportunities for students, traders, artisans and small business owners.

On security, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening security institutions and improving personnel welfare, citing legislation providing statutory backing for the Police Training School in Oyin-Akoko.

He maintained that the administration would consolidate its economic reforms and complete ongoing development projects, while urging residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“Our economy is stable now. We have put the naysayers to shame. And the cause is not magic; it is your choice, your vote, your trust, your patience, your faith, and the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Speaking at the rally, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the people of Ondo State to vote for Tinubu, recalling that the state supported his candidacy in the 2023 presidential election.

The governor said the President had not disappointed the people, pointing to his record as former governor of Lagos State and the appointment of three ministers from Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa also praised the Federal Government’s economic reforms and pledged to mobilise residents across communities to support the President’s re-election.

The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described Tinubu as an experienced and prepared candidate, arguing that his experience and exposure positioned him to lead the country.

He said the party was mobilising ahead of the 2027 presidential election, which he identified as scheduled for January 16.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, urged eligible voters in Ondo State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the election.

Uzodimma said the state had about 2.4 million registered voters, but only 1.4 million had collected their PVCs, urging those yet to collect theirs to visit the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, also called on party members to intensify mobilisation, urging residents to deliver a substantial number of votes for Tinubu.

The rally forms part of the APC’s mobilisation activities across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.