RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains committed to consolidating the administration’s policies ahead of the 2027 general election.
Alake, who also serves as spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the remarks during the media presentation of the party’s presidential manifesto.
He described the APC as a purposeful and organised political platform, maintaining that its manifesto provides a framework for sustaining economic reforms and improving living conditions across Nigeria.
According to the minister, political parties have a responsibility to explain their programmes, policy priorities and reasons for seeking public office.
Alake argued that Tinubu’s administration had undertaken significant economic reforms aimed at addressing structural challenges that had affected Nigeria for decades.
He described the reforms as unprecedented in the country’s civilian political history, a claim reflecting his assessment of the administration’s performance.
The minister particularly defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, describing the decision as necessary to address longstanding financial pressures on the economy.
He alleged that influential interests had benefited disproportionately from the former subsidy arrangement, while the wider economy continued to face substantial costs.
Alake maintained that the administration’s economic decisions were guided by long-term national considerations rather than immediate political popularity.
The APC’s 2027 presidential manifesto, titled From Reform to Prosperity Agenda 2027–2031, outlines proposals covering economic growth, national security, housing, electricity, healthcare and education.
Among its stated targets are achieving six per cent annual economic growth, facilitating 200,000 affordable homes and expanding the country’s security personnel.
The manifesto also proposes improvements in electricity generation, primary healthcare coverage and access to health insurance.
Alake said the party’s objective was to build on existing reforms and translate policy changes into greater economic opportunities and improved welfare for Nigerians.
Speaking about the solid minerals sector, the minister referred to a figure of 110 million for the first nine months of 2026, although the unit and statistical basis were not specified in the account of his remarks.
The figure therefore could not be independently assessed.
Concluding his defence of the administration’s direction, Alake expressed confidence in the APC’s political programme, declaring that Nigerians should not change what he described as a winning leadership arrangement.
The manifesto sets out the ruling party’s proposed priorities for another term, with the implementation and outcomes of its commitments remaining subjects for public scrutiny.
