President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to secure their future in the 2027 general election, describing the poll as a defining moment for the younger generation….
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to secure their future in the 2027 general election, describing the poll as a defining moment for the younger generation.
Tinubu said the country’s future depended significantly on the choices young Nigerians would make at the ballot box, urging them to support his administration’s economic policies and development agenda.
The President spoke on Saturday during the APC campaign rally in Rivers State, where he appealed to young people to recognise the importance of their votes in determining the country’s political and economic direction.
“I’m going to show you that I care for you, particularly all of you youths. Your education, your welfare, your skills are extremely important to me and to Nigeria,” he said.
Tinubu declared that Nigeria had entered a period of economic recovery and prosperity, insisting that the reforms introduced by his administration were beginning to produce positive results.
He recalled that when he assumed office in May 2023, 27 of the country’s 36 states were struggling to pay workers’ salaries.
“When I took over, 27 out of 36 states were unable to pay salaries. You know what that means for the families depending on them,” he said.
The President argued that the financial position of the states had improved following changes to the country’s economic and revenue arrangements.
He said the payment of salaries had broader implications for households, noting that workers’ earnings supported other family members and contributed to economic activities.
“Every salary has dependants. There is somebody sharing the food at home,” he said.
Tinubu also criticised opposition figures questioning the economic situation, accusing some of them of contributing to the challenges facing the country.
He challenged a former vice-president to explain how he established a university while serving in government, questioning the source of the resources used for the project.
The President further defended his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of retired workers, saying pensioners and former public servants were beginning to receive outstanding entitlements.
According to him, retired engineers, welders and teachers were among those benefiting from the payment of pensions and gratuities.
“A retired engineer is receiving their gratuity right now. A retired welder is receiving the pension right now. A retired teacher is receiving their pension right now,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to infrastructure development and the maintenance of peace in the state.
“I want to thank you specifically for maturity, understanding and respect for the wisdom of elders. When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace,” Tinubu said.
He also praised the governor’s commitment to democracy, assuring him that he would not regret the decision to cooperate with efforts to resolve the political disagreement.
Tinubu equally commended other leaders and residents of Rivers State for sustaining peace and supporting development efforts.
Returning to his appeal to young Nigerians, the President urged them to obtain their PVCs and participate actively in the electoral process.
“The weapon you have is the PVC. If you have not collected yours, please go ahead,” he told the youths.
He maintained that supporting progressive economic policies through the ballot was one way young people could help tackle poverty and sustain development.
The President concluded by expressing appreciation to the people of Rivers State for their support, saying his administration remained committed to economic recovery, infrastructure development and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
