Discussions about the key issues that may influence the 2027 elections are increasing. President Bola Tinubu has responded to concerns regarding inclusivity and the distribution of projects across the country and intends to address these topics directly, going forward.

Using his verified X handle, Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, the President highlighted the achievements of his government and tried to dispel allegations of lopsidedness of his key projects. Some of his Ministers and aides have been going around the country to counter claims of nepotism and discrimination in the selection and execution of projects.

Taking to his X handle, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wrote:

“Dear Nigerians,

“I took an oath to serve all Nigerians, not a section. That oath guides every bridge, road, rail, power, and health project we deliver.

“From the Lagos–Calabar Highway in the South to the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway in the North; from Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail in the East to Abuja–Kaduna–Kano expressway in the Centre, and the Trans-Saharan highway connecting African countries, these are not local trophies. They are our national assets.

“Health centres are being rehabilitated nationwide, light rail projects in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos & Ogun have been given the green light, 250,000 jobs are being created, power is returning to Kaduna through the revived 255MW power plant, bridges in Onitsha & Bonny reconnect our people, oil exploration is expanding in Bauchi & Gombe, and the AKK pipeline has crossed the Niger.

“Every farmer who needs a road, every trader who needs power, every child who needs a school, every patient who needs care… this is who we are building for.

“This is the equity of Renewed Hope. No Nigerian is second-class, no region is left behind. Together we will rise as one nation, one people, and one destiny.

“Bet on Nigeria.

~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Attached to the statement is a map showing graphs and data of projects done in the different regions and the value of such projects. The opening statement on the attachment says: “When President Bola Tinubu took office, he pledged to lead with fairness, justice and equity. That promise is now visible in the balanced distribution of projects, appointments and opportunities across every region of Nigeria.

The map shows the spending by the federal government on the different regions, as well as the legacy and projects. A summary shows that N5.97 trillion was spent on projects in the North West; N1.13 trillion on projects in the North Central, and N400 billion in the North East.

Others show N604 billion spent in the South West and Lagos; N407 billion in the South East, and N2.41 trillion in the South South region.

Mixed Reactions Greet the President’s Statement

The President’s statement has sparked varied responses that highlight Nigerians’ divided views on government policies and actions. Here are some randomly selected comments:

ADC Vanguard

” Mr President, sir, bridges don’t feed people. While you recite project lists, Nigerians face record inflation, unsafe travel, failing rails, power blackouts and passports priced above wages. Equity isn’t press releases; it’s results. Renewed Hope shouldn’t mean renewed hardship. Deliver, don’t decorate”.

Atikun Sokoto @_hamani

“Very funny how you choose to tweet at 1 am, baba, we’re still awake oo. But why skip Lagos projects? Beyond the ₦453bn you listed, Lagos has: ₦15trn Lagos–Calabar Highway, ₦3trn Third Mainland rehab, ₦2.5trn 4th Mainland Bridge, ₦1.8trn Lekki Port & FG-backed Red Line Rail. Over ₦22trn in all.

Walters

“The idiots who wrote it thought we are (sic all blind and dumb. The SW has the highest capital expenditure with little contribution to the FG coffers.

Abioro Damilare

“More wins in insha Allah, Mr President, PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Remember, the poor people should feel the positive effect of your administration and be grateful to God they didn’t make a mistake voting for you. God bless you and God bless Nigeria as a whole”

Whitee

“No contract has been awarded for 3rd/4th Mainland Bridge. Lekki Port was done via PPP; FG didn’t drop a kobo. Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is EPC+F: govt puts 15–30% counterpart, the rest recouped via tolls. These Lagos projects are viable & can self-finance. Stop the mischief.

Atobajaye @Atobajaye25

When nepotism becomes the dominant practice in governance, it undermines merit, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust. In such a situation, officials often find themselves trying to justify or defend what is essentially indefensible.

Kingsley @Alphamale1872

“”This attempt at transparency is okay. But I have a few questions, Mr. President.

1. Why was Lagos excluded from the chart showing projects for SW? Lagos is part of SW, so I don’t think it should have been excluded because it isn’t the FCT.
2. Some of the roads were only mentioned, but no costs were attached to them. The length of the road and the duration of work are not shown.
3. Some show the cost but are silent on the length of the road.
4. Some show the length of the road but are silent on cost.

I don’t want to believe that this is an error cos this is a very important document that was supposed to clear doubts, and it’s coming from the State House, yet it didn’t provide the needed clarification.

It was presented in a way that further raises suspicion as to the level of transparency around most of the listed projects. There has been a lot of debate on most of the projects listed here, as it has to do with transparency and due process. Yet this document captures those projects, but is vague on the details around them.

Current trends suggest that a growing number of Nigerians are gaining awareness of governance issues and may be increasingly prepared to make informed decisions regarding their leaders in 2027.

It remains uncertain whether such factors will influence voting behaviour, as many Nigerians tend to base their electoral decisions on considerations other than performance. These may include religious, ethnic, or financial incentives.

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