Araraume backs Tinubu’s second-term bid, cites reforms and party unity

Former Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, saying continuity is necessary to consolidate the administration’s ongoing economic and political reforms.

Speaking with journalists at his country home in Isiebu, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, Araraume said President Tinubu is constitutionally qualified to seek re-election and has delivered enough within his first term to deserve another four years in office.

He dismissed concerns that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party system, stressing that the country remains a vibrant multiparty democracy with more than 40 registered political parties. According to him, the growing strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be seen as a reflection of political freedom rather than domination.

Araraume noted that membership of the APC is voluntary, adding that no Nigerian is forced to join the ruling party. He described political defections and realignments as a familiar feature of Nigeria’s democratic history, recalling that similar trends were witnessed during the long years of the Peoples Democratic Party’s dominance.

On internal party dynamics, the former senator said the APC functions as one political family, with coordination across federal, state and local government levels. He maintained that the party is united in its support for Tinubu’s re-election.

He also disclosed that the APC has commenced an electronic membership registration exercise, urging existing members to update and validate their details, while calling on new supporters to register and formally join the party.

Commenting on Imo State politics, Araraume observed that Governor Hope Uzodimma is in his final term and expressed confidence that the APC would present credible candidates to succeed him. He assured that the party would rally behind whoever emerges as its flagbearer at all levels, noting that while governance is a continuous process with room for improvement, identified challenges would be addressed constructively.

Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Araraume recalled his role as the APC’s National Director of Trade and Economy for Southern Nigeria, covering the South-East, South-South and South-West zones. He expressed optimism that President Tinubu, if re-elected, would deliver even stronger performance in a second term.