Former Benue governor says current economic pains are necessary to build a stronger future, appeals to youths to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reveals why he joined the APC.

Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are experiencing under President Bola Tinubu’s administration but urged citizens, particularly youths, to support the president’s policies and give him another four years to consolidate his reforms.

Suswam made the appeal on Friday during the PBAT Door-to-Door rally in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where he called on Nigerians to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The former governor argued that although the country was going through difficult economic conditions, the sacrifices associated with the administration’s policies could help lay the foundation for a better future.

He urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by what he described as propaganda against the president, insisting that the current challenges should be viewed in the context of the long-term benefits he believes the reforms could deliver.

“Come next January, you will vote massively for this man so that he can consolidate on these policies for your own future,” Suswam said.

“Don't listen to any propaganda that people are churning out. There is suffering now, but there is no way you can build a future without experiencing some pains. We must experience those pains for us to be better tomorrow.”

Suswam maintained that Nigeria might have been in a better position today if previous administrations had taken similar steps, adding that Tinubu should be allowed to continue his policies for another four years.

According to him, another term would give the president an opportunity to consolidate his reforms before handing over to a successor who could build on the foundation.

“If we had taken those same steps, we wouldn't have been where we are today. Tinubu has taken it; please, let's allow him in the next four years. He will consolidate and hand over to somebody who shall build on it,” he added.

Suswam urges youths to take campaign to grassroots

The former governor also called on Nigerian youths to take an active role in mobilising support for Tinubu, stressing that political campaigns should extend beyond rallies and large gatherings.

He encouraged supporters to return to their local government areas, communities and villages to engage family members and other residents on the president’s policies.

Suswam commended businessman Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his involvement in establishing the door-to-door campaign initiative.

He said grassroots engagement was necessary to help Nigerians understand the administration’s agenda and its potential implications for the country’s future.

“Go back to your local government, go back to your village, talk to your parents, talk to your brothers about door-to-door, so that they will reason and understand what Tinubu is doing for the future of this country,” he said.

Why I joined APC — Suswam

Suswam also explained his decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he wanted to be on what he described as the right side of history by supporting Tinubu’s efforts to build a foundation for younger generations.

The former governor said his decision followed his assessment of developments under the current administration, adding that he did not want to be left out when the country's political history was eventually written.

“I was one of those who wasn't in APC, but when I saw what was going on, I decided that let me not be behind,” he said.

“When history is written, let it be that Suswam was one of those who supported Tinubu to build a solid foundation for the younger generation of this country.”

He called on Nigerians who believe in the country's progress to support the president, arguing that such backing would help create conditions for a better future.

Suswam further expressed support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, praising what he described as the president’s courage in pursuing policies intended to benefit younger Nigerians.

“We support President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. We support his courage, what he is doing for the younger generation of this country. What is happening now is for you,” he said.

“ Yes, there are traces of hardship, but tomorrow you will be better off for it. So let us support Tinubu for 2027.”

His remarks come amid continuing public concerns over economic hardship, with the former governor urging Nigerians to look beyond present difficulties and give the president more time to pursue his policy agenda.