Former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, expressing confidence that the administration’s economic reforms will deliver long-term benefits to Nigerians.

Sambo, who also served as Minister of State for Works and Housing under former President Muhammadu Buhari, made the declaration at his country home in Jalingo, Taraba state, while responding to questions from journalists.

The former minister, who coordinated the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in Taraba State during the 2023 general election, said the country needed continuity to consolidate ongoing economic reforms and sustain the drive towards economic recovery.

Sambo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and governorship aspirant in the party’s last primary election in Taraba State, acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of living.

He, however, argued that the challenges were part of the consequences of long-overdue reforms, which he said might be painful initially but were necessary to achieve lasting economic and financial stability.

“We are not oblivious to the feedback from the common man and the general increase in cost of living. However, we believe that the sacrifices being made today are necessary for enduring economic and financial stability.

“Let us allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu consolidate the path of economic recovery and growth with a second term in office,” he said.

The former minister expressed optimism that the benefits of the administration’s policies would become more evident over time, particularly as the government continues to invest in infrastructure and other development initiatives.

According to him, the combination of economic reforms and increased spending on infrastructure projects would eventually contribute to economic stability and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

“Nigerians can rest assured that it will get better. I firmly believe that the reforms, coupled with other interventions, including increased spending in infrastructure projects, will ultimately translate into long-term economic stability and prosperity for the people,” Sambo stated.

He also called for improved public communication on the objectives and expected benefits of the administration’s policies, saying many Nigerians were yet to fully understand their short- and long-term implications.

Sambo maintained that government officials and political stakeholders had a responsibility to explain the reforms in simple terms that ordinary citizens could understand.

“Undoubtedly, PBAT is working, but we need men and women who will translate the impact of his work into simple terms that the common man on the street can understand.

“Many people are not adequately explaining the benefits of these reforms, either in the short or over the long term,” he said.

He urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to support the country’s development efforts, adding that collective commitment was necessary to achieve the desired economic transformation.

“I believe it is high time all of us joined hands with President Tinubu to build our country,” Sambo added.

On the 2027 general elections, the former minister expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects, predicting that the party would perform strongly across the country.

His endorsement comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political stakeholders continue to express their positions on the Tinubu administration’s economic policies and the prospect of a second term.