Shettima Lists Tinubu’s Projects in South-East, Seeks Renewed Mandate for 2027

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the Tinubu administration’s investments in road infrastructure, agriculture, security, housing and human capital development in the South-East, urging residents of Ebonyi State to support the President’s re-election bid in 2027.

Shettima spoke on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, where he defended the administration’s performance and listed several federal projects and interventions in the state and the wider South-East.

He said the Federal Government’s interventions were designed to improve regional connectivity, strengthen food security, expand economic opportunities and address longstanding development challenges.

According to the Vice-President, the administration has demonstrated its commitment to Ebonyi through infrastructure projects, federal appointments and policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

“This campaign has been a season of triumph. We have triumphed over the falsehoods of our opponents. We have triumphed over those who mistook the limits of their imagination for the limits of our reach.

“We have never turned our backs on you. We have answered your support with projects and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Ebonyi through distinguished appointments and projects across the state,” he said.

Shettima described public office as a responsibility that must be measured by improvements in the lives of citizens, adding that the administration was seeking another mandate to consolidate its development programmes.

He said the government had returned to Ebonyi to seek the people’s support again, insisting that democracy required elected leaders to approach voters for a renewed mandate.

### Shettima highlights federal infrastructure projects

Listing some of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investments, the Vice-President mentioned the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, which he said would strengthen trade and economic integration between the South-East, North-Central and other parts of the country.

He also highlighted the Ndibe Bridge, designed to connect Ebonyi with Cross River State, as well as ongoing work on the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Expressway and the Okposi–Ohaozara–Ukawu–Cross River road.

According to him, the projects would ease the transportation of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities while reducing the difficulties faced by businesses and communities.

On agriculture, Shettima described Ebonyi as an important contributor to Nigeria’s food production, particularly in rice and cassava.

He said farmers in the state were benefiting from fertiliser distribution, interest-free FarmerMoni assistance and other agricultural support programmes.

He added that improved rural roads would enable farmers to access markets more easily, reduce post-harvest losses and increase their earnings.

The Vice-President also disclosed that thousands of beneficiaries in Ebonyi had received grants under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, while federal employment and digital skills programmes were creating opportunities for young people.

### Shettima speaks on South-East security

Addressing security concerns in the region, Shettima said the Tinubu administration had intensified efforts to restore stability in the South-East, stressing that economic growth depended on the safety of communities, businesses and critical infrastructure.

He identified the establishment and commencement of operations at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri–Edda, Ebonyi State, as one of the Federal Government’s security interventions.

“The security of the South-East has changed since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu became Commander-in-Chief over three years ago. We have worked to restore order, and we will keep working,” he said.

Shettima also listed the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, the launch of the South-East Vision 2050 and the approval of the South East Investment Company as initiatives intended to accelerate regional development and attract investment.

He said the measures reflected the administration’s recognition of the connection between security, economic inclusion and long-term stability.

### Nwifuru pledges 80 per cent votes for Tinubu

Commending Governor Francis Nwifuru, Shettima said increased federal allocations had strengthened the capacity of state governments to invest in infrastructure and essential services.

He praised the governor for using the state’s resources to execute development projects and urged Ebonyi residents to support Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, Nwifuru reaffirmed the state’s support for the President, claiming that Ebonyi had benefited from the administration’s economic reforms and special interventions in road infrastructure.

“Under President Tinubu, the poor roads in our state and zone are now better. We now enjoy special road interventions,” the governor said.

He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to provide a 330kV electricity transmission line to improve power supply and support industrial development in the state.

Nwifuru subsequently assured Tinubu that Ebonyi would deliver 80 per cent of its votes to him in the 2027 presidential election.

Former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Works, David Umahi, also commended the administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure investments, urging residents to support its re-election bid.

Umahi described the turnout at the rally as evidence of support for the APC and Tinubu. He thanked the President for what he called unprecedented federal investments in road infrastructure across Ebonyi, involving hundreds of kilometres of highways and billions of naira.

The Minister further expressed confidence that the state would deliver 1.3 million votes to Tinubu in 2027.

### Shettima receives traditional title in Ebonyi

Earlier, the Vice-President paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Amagu Autonomous Community in Abakaliki, His Royal Highness, Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, who is also Chairman of the Izzi/Nnodo Traditional Rulers Council.

During the visit, the monarch conferred on Shettima the traditional title, Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa, meaning “A Hand Cannot Cover the Moon”.

The title, derived from an Igbo proverb, symbolises the belief that genuine merit, greatness and distinguished service cannot be concealed. It also recognises Shettima’s public service and the longstanding relationship between Northern Nigeria and the South-East.

Expressing gratitude for the honour, the Vice-President described it as a responsibility to strengthen his relationship with Ebonyi State and promote national unity.

He recalled the historic ties of trade, friendship and shared community life between the North and South-East, describing Nigeria’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths.

Shettima said the country must preserve the spirit of friendship and coexistence that had historically connected communities across different regions.