Shettima: FG Will Sustain Governance Despite Rising 2027 Political Activities
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Valentine Umunna
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue to focus on governance while engaging in political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shettima made the statement after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the President’s Lagos residence following Tinubu’s return to Nigeria from his working vacation abroad.
The Vice President said he maintained regular communication with the President throughout his absence from the country, noting that technological advancements had made it possible for government officials to coordinate affairs effectively from different locations.
According to Shettima, political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are already gaining momentum, but this would not distract the administration from its responsibility of governing the country.
“Politics is in the air, but we will combine politics and governance,” he said.
Shettima also defended some of the major economic decisions taken by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.
He acknowledged that the policies had created economic difficulties for many Nigerians but appealed for patience, saying the government was implementing measures aimed at easing the impact of the reforms on citizens.
The Vice President said the administration inherited foreign reserves of about $3.9 billion, which he described as inadequate to finance the country’s fuel imports for even one month.
He said President Tinubu demonstrated the political courage required to implement difficult economic reforms that previous administrations had been unable to undertake.
Shettima maintained that the reforms were necessary to place the Nigerian economy on a more sustainable path and address longstanding structural challenges.
Beyond economic reforms, the Vice President announced plans by the Federal Government to introduce an e-logistics initiative in the North-East.
He said the project would involve the deployment of 10,600 electric tricycles, 300 buses and electric taxis as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and improve mobility in the region.
According to him, the initiative is expected to provide more affordable transportation while supporting economic activities and improving access to markets and other essential services.
Shettima further disclosed that the Federal Government was finalising additional interventions targeted at students and vulnerable Nigerians.
He said the measures were part of the administration’s broader efforts to cushion the effects of current economic challenges and provide support to Nigerians facing hardship.
The Vice President’s comments come amid increasing political activities across the country as political parties and potential candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging the growing political atmosphere, Shettima stressed that the administration would not abandon governance or its development agenda.
He said the government would continue implementing policies and programmes while also participating in the political process leading to the next general elections.
The Vice President’s position reinforces the administration’s commitment to maintaining government operations and pursuing its economic agenda as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.
Byline: Valentine Umunna
