{
  "id": 8157552,
  "title": "Simon Lalong, First Lady, Others Defend Tinubu’s Quest for Second Term",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/simon-lalong-first-lady-others-defend-tinubus-quest-for-second-term",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T02:53:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/18/simon-lalong-first-lady-others-defend-tinubus-quest-for-second-term/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Governor Simon Lalong and First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, have joined forces to support President Bola Tinubu's decision to seek a second term in office. The couple argued that the transformative reforms initiated by the government must be given time to bear fruit for the benefit of Nigerians and future generations.\n\nLalong, who previously served as Director-General of Tinubu's 2023 presidential campaign, emphasized the need for Nigerians to re-elect the president in 2027 to complete the reform process. He praised the president's courage in tackling structural economic issues, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy, which required immediate sacrifice but promised long-term gains.\n\nThe couple highlighted the significance of the petrol subsidy removal, stating that it marked Nigeria's transition from consumption to investment. They stressed that the decision was not politically convenient but a courageous step towards redirecting public resources towards productive capacities.\n\nOluremi Tinubu, the president's wife, agreed that the gains made under the current administration should be preserved for present and future generations. She emphasized the importance of consolidating the achievements of the present administration to secure a better future for all Nigerians.\n\nThe duo's speech at the National Summit of APC-FOPSHAN, held in Abuja, addressed the theme \"Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope.\" They called for strengthened legislative oversight, fiscal responsibility, and the creation of an enabling environment for economic growth. Lalong challenged lawmakers to scrutinize government expenditure and ensure that citizens' concerns remained central to the implementation of reforms.",
  "summary": "• Ex-gov: Tinubu needs another term to complete reform process •Oluremi Tinubu: gains of president’s reform must be secured for generations yet unborn •Former speakers endorse Tinubu, to take renewed",
  "key_points": [
    "Simon Lalong and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu support President Tinubu's bid for second term.",
    "They emphasize need for patience in implementing transformative reforms.",
    "Petrol subsidy removal marks transition to investment phase."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The endorsement by Simon Lalong and Oluremi Tinubu signals a concerted effort to shore up support for President Tinubu's re-election bid by framing his reforms as crucial to Nigeria's long-term progress.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}