President of GLOBE Legislators and former member of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo has described the inclusion of prominent opposition politicians in President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council as a welcome development and a demonstration of democratic collaboration.
Onuigbo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this known while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, noting that the appointment of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party reflects their support for the Tinubu administration and its policies.
He described the appointments as a product of democratic alliance and shared commitment to effective governance, national development and the overall welfare of Nigerians.
Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th National Assemblies, maintained that democracy should transcend partisan boundaries when the ultimate objective is to deliver good governance and improve the living conditions of citizens.
According to him, the participation of opposition figures in the APC presidential campaign team demonstrates that political affiliations need not stand in the way of cooperation for national progress.
“Democracy is a system of government that does not use force of the barrel or the gun, but applies consensus and understanding.
“The bottom line is having a good government that works to provide the highest happiness for the highest number of people, which Wike and others have seen and aligned with,” he said.
The former lawmaker described the inclusion of opposition politicians in the campaign council as commendable and a reflection of democracy in action, stressing that collaboration across party lines can strengthen governance and promote the public interest.
Onuigbo also commended President Tinubu’s administration for its economic policies and reforms, highlighting initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the harmonisation of exchange rates, the removal of fuel subsidy and the establishment of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation.
He noted that the removal of fuel subsidy had increased the resources available to the Federal Government and subnational governments to invest in infrastructure and deliver essential services to citizens.
In his words: ” “Tinubu has placed Nigeria on the path of prosperity with increase in GDP, where the GDP is now out-pacing the nation’s population rate.
“From refining 30,000 barrels of oil per day in 2023, Nigeria now refines over 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves has now hit over 58.1 billion dollars from 3.9 billion dollars in 2023,” he said
The APC chieftain further highlighted reported improvements in economic indicators, domestic refining capacity and foreign reserves, describing them as signs of the administration’s efforts to reposition the Nigerian economy.
He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, stating that re-election would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the international community.
Onuigbo also commended President Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for infrastructure development in Abuja, noting that projects being undertaken by the APC-led Federal Government were helping to address longstanding infrastructure deficits in the nation’s capital.
He reaffirmed the importance of policies and partnerships that promote effective governance, economic growth, national development and improved living standards for Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation