Bola Tinubu Defends Economic Reforms Ahead of 2027 Election

President Bola Tinubu defended the removal of fuel subsidies during a forum in Abuja on October 19, 2026, stating he has "no regret" regarding the decision. He argued that difficult reforms were necessary to stabilize public finances and prevent economic collapse, asserting that Nigeria cannot return to its previous economic path.

Vice President Kashim Shettima supported the President, claiming the national economy would have collapsed without these far-reaching decisions. Shettima credited the administration's vision for a 4.43 percent economic growth in the last quarter and foreign reserves reaching approximately $60 billion. While acknowledging the hardships faced by citizens, Shettima promised that the President would introduce responses to agricultural challenges in the coming weeks to lower food prices.

The event was organized by the City Boy Movement and the Relax-Tinubu-Is-Fixing-Nigeria movement to campaign for the President's reelection in January 2027. Francis Shoga, Director-General of the City Boy Movement, pledged to mobilize at least 10 million youth votes. However, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas cautioned that the movement should serve as an audit of government performance rather than a "fan club."