President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration has made significant progress in repositioning Nigeria, warning against any political movement that could reverse the country’s ongoing reforms.
Speaking on Sunday after receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) certificate of return and party flag as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Tinubu described the next general election as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democratic growth.
“This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity. As a government, we have taken giant steps forward,” the President said.
Tinubu cautioned Nigerians against supporting politicians who, according to him, lack a clear vision for national development, insisting that continuity was necessary to consolidate ongoing reforms.
The President, who emerged winner of the APC nationwide direct presidential primary with over 10 million votes, defended the performance of his administration and pledged renewed commitment to governance if re-elected.
“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination,” he stated.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Tinubu pointed to economic reforms, fiscal restructuring and tax adjustments aimed at strengthening public revenue and stabilising the economy.
He also cited progress in the education sector through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, revealing that more than N282 billion had been disbursed to over 1.5 million beneficiaries.
On electricity, Tinubu said the Presidential Metering Initiative had delivered about 2.5 million meters within three years, while a N4 trillion bond programme was introduced to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas companies.
According to him, electricity generation has at times risen to 6,000 megawatts, representing an increase of about 50 per cent from the level inherited by his administration.
“Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries,” he said, while acknowledging that the sector still faced major challenges.
The President also defended key economic decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms, arguing that the policies were beginning to produce positive results.
“We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates and weak infrastructure. Today we are witnessing a turnaround,” Tinubu said, citing improvements in foreign reserves and investor confidence.
On infrastructure, he listed ongoing projects such as the coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry road corridor, alongside efforts to revitalise airports, seaports and digital infrastructure across the country.
Tinubu further stated that reforms in the oil and gas sector had attracted billions of dollars in fresh investments into the industry.
Addressing national unity, the President urged Nigerians to reject divisive politics and embrace peaceful coexistence.
“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he said.
He acknowledged the economic hardship currently facing many citizens but assured Nigerians that his administration remained focused on addressing rising living costs and social challenges.
“We do not dismiss these concerns; we understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality, with honesty and action,” he stated.
On security, Tinubu said his government had intensified investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems and modern security equipment to combat insecurity across the country.
He also urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the Constitution to allow the creation of state police, describing it as a matter of national emergency.
“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” the President assured.
Tinubu extended an olive branch to opposition parties and political critics, stressing that national development should transcend political differences.
“To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building,” he said.
The President concluded by promising a more inclusive administration if given another mandate in 2027, pledging to continue listening and responding to the needs of Nigerians.
The APC presidential primary results were announced at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja in the presence of governors, lawmakers, ministers, party executives and other stakeholders.
