Pro-Tinubu Group Hails NELFUND, Endorses President for Second Term

A pro-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu support group has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the administration's most transformative social intervention programmes, saying it has expanded access to tertiary education for thousands of young Nigerians regardless of their financial background.

The Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Independent Campaign Group made the assertion in Abuja while formally endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the group, Sadiq Yusuf, said the student loan initiative has removed financial barriers preventing many young Nigerians from pursuing higher education. 

According to him, students from low income families can now access funding for tuition and other educational expenses through a simplified application process. 

"The student loan scheme is changing lives. A young person from a poor family can now secure admission into a university without worrying about how tuition will be paid. That is a major investment in Nigeria's future," Yusuf said.

He argued that the programme demonstrates the administration's commitment to human capital development and creating equal educational opportunities for citizens.

Yusuf said the endorsement of President Tinubu was based on what the group described as the administration's performance in education, infrastructure, security and economic reforms.

He defended the government's economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the reforms were necessary to prevent a more severe economic crisis.

According to him, although the policies have imposed short-term hardship on many Nigerians, they are designed to restore economic stability and promote sustainable growth.

The group also commended ongoing road construction projects across the country, describing them as strategic investments that would improve connectivity, boost commerce and accelerate national development.

Yusuf maintained that increased government spending on defence and internal security has strengthened the fight against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.

He said the recruitment of additional security personnel and procurement of modern equipment reflect the administration's commitment to addressing the country's security challenges.

The Director General further urged Nigerians to support the continuation of the administration's reforms beyond 2027.

"The reforms may be difficult today, but they are necessary for the country's future. Continuity will allow these programmes to mature and deliver greater benefits to Nigerians," he said.

Also speaking, the group's Diaspora Director, High Chief Wisdom Chukwuma Okoye, appealed to eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the next general elections.

He described President Tinubu as a leader committed to national development and called on citizens to support what he termed policies capable of transforming the country's economy and institutions.

The National Women Leader of the organisation, Nkiru Uraih, said women had benefited from the administration's empowerment initiatives and increased participation in governance through appointments into public offices.

She urged Nigerian women to remain actively involved in politics while supporting leaders they believe will promote inclusive development.

Members of the support group said they would embark on nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections to canvass support for President Tinubu's re-election.

The endorsement comes as political activities ahead of the next general elections continue to gather momentum, with political support groups and stakeholders intensifying consultations and mobilisation across the country.

President Tinubu's administration has promoted the student loan programme as part of efforts to improve access to tertiary education, alongside reforms in infrastructure, security and the economy. While supporters argue that these initiatives will deliver long-term national benefits, critics contend that many Nigerians continue to grapple with the immediate effects of rising living costs and other economic challenges.

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