2027: Tinubu Governing with Courage, Deserves Second Term — Ex-IGP Okiro

A former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, describing him as a courageous leader whose policies are already yielding results despite initial difficulties.

Okiro made this known on Saturday evening in Ibadan, Oyo State, while addressing journalists during an event organised to endorse President Tinubu’s re-election bid and inaugurate a support group, Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu (GMT).

According to the former police chief, President Tinubu assumed office at a time of enormous national challenges but has continued to confront them head-on through bold and decisive policies.

He said Tinubu’s leadership style, marked by tough but necessary decisions across key sectors, distinguishes him from past leaders.

“President Tinubu has been governing with courage. No president in Nigeria has ever been this bold in taking critical decisions,” Okiro said.

He cited the removal of fuel subsidy and other far-reaching reforms as examples of difficult choices that initially placed pressure on Nigerians but are now beginning to produce positive outcomes.

Okiro expressed confidence that Nigeria would be significantly better by the end of Tinubu’s first term, adding that an opportunity for a second term would allow the president to consolidate on ongoing reforms.

The former IGP also referenced Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, saying his legacies in the state remain visible and serve as evidence of what Nigerians should expect after eight years of his leadership at the national level.

“The legacies he left in Lagos are still there today. Nigerians should be patient and continue to support him. I am confident that by the end of a second term, Nigeria will be where it ought to be,” he stated.

Speaking on the issue of insecurity, Okiro commended the president’s efforts so far, expressing optimism that the situation would improve significantly.

Drawing from his experience as Inspector General of Police between 2007 and 2009, he noted that Tinubu’s security architecture while governing Lagos State laid the foundation for the relative peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

“Insecurity is a problem that affects everyone regardless of status. The president deserves commendation for the efforts so far, and I believe insecurity will soon be reduced to the barest minimum, if not completely eradicated,” he said.

Okiro, who holds the traditional title of Maradin Hausawa of Ibadanland, also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Sarkin Sasa of Ibadan during his visit to the state.

He was accompanied by members of the Northern Youth and Elders Awareness Forum, including the National Coordinator, Alhaji Mahmud Sani Yerima, North-West Zone Coordinator Umar Sani Nalema, as well as Alhaji Isa Bawa Isa, Alhaji Muhammad Shehu and Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmad.