President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his commitment to serving Nigeria with greater determination, emphasising that the next general election should represent a reaffirmation of the nation’s democratic maturity rather than merely a contest among political parties and ideologies.
The President spoke after accepting his nomination as the presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
President Tinubu said another four years of disciplined focus and national cooperation would firmly place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency and democratic consolidation.
“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. Let’s not give in to complacency by allowing politicians with no clear alternative vision to take our country backwards,” he said.
President Tinubu highlighted that his administration remained committed to building a Nigeria where lives and property are secure, enterprise thrives, workers earn with dignity, young people find opportunities and farmers prosper regardless of background or region.
He said; “Today, I return as your incumbent President—humbled by your enduring support, encouraged by your continued confidence, and imbued with renewed passion for the tasks ahead.
“In 2022, our task was to chart a new direction for our party and nation. Today, our task is to affirm that continuity is essential—to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria.
“I accept, with humility and profound gratitude, the nomination of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, to stand again as its Presidential candidate in the 2027 election.”
Partnership
The President also extended a hand of partnership to political opponents and called for dialogue and engagement in the interest of nation-building.
The Nigerian Leader noted that democracy thrives through diversity and shared belief in the nation, urging Nigerians across the country to unite in consolidating national gains, addressing challenges and securing a greater future for the country.
“To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building. To those who differ with our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the results of our work will speak for themselves.
“Democracy is sustained not by uniformity, but by diversity, by a shared belief in the nation and the blending of ideas.
“Let us come together as Nigerians, from north to south, east to west, to consolidate our gains, tackle our challenges, and seize the promise of a greater tomorrow. The task ahead requires patriotism and collective effort,” he explained.
Strengthen Security
On security, the President acknowledged the challenges confronting parts of the country and assured Nigerians that his administration has intensified efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, support the armed forces and police, and deepen partnerships with local communities.
The Nigerian President further called on the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of state police as a matter of national emergency, stressing that government would not relent until peace and stability are restored across the country.
“We have invested in intelligence, surveillance, and modern equipment, and we are addressing the root causes of insecurity. We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency.
“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country. Our resolve is unwavering, and our goal is clear:
“A Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and aspire without fear. As leaders and members of this great party, we should all be proud of what we have achieved for our country since our party took over governance in 2015, and of the outstanding economic progress we have recorded in the last three years of my administration. However, the work we began is unfinished,” the President said.
He added that the Nigerian government under his leadership is prioritising infrastructure development, social investment programmes and national unity as key pillars of inclusive growth and economic transformation.
“We have prioritised infrastructure across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation as engines for inclusive growth.
“We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years. We are improving our airports and seaports after decades of neglect. We have reformed the oil and gas sector and are attracting billions of dollars in fresh investment in a sector that was almost comatose.
“Our social investment and human capital programmes target vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses.
” In addition, we are reclaiming our national values and ethos anchored on unity and the unbroken bond of togetherness. While our founding and now revived national anthem recognises our diversity, it reminds us of the work we need to do to forge a stronger and more perfect union.
“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand”: As Nigerians, we must continue to stand together for our country against all forces that seek to divide us. Yet, challenges remain. Many Nigerians still struggle with rising costs and economic adjustment. We do not dismiss these concerns; we understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality—with honesty and action,” he stated.
Economic Reforms
President Tinubu highlighted the major economic reforms undertaken by his administration, noting that they are supported by new tax and fiscal policies that have enhanced revenue generation. They are also expanding access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has disbursed over N282 billion to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.
He said; “We promised an improved power supply and an end to estimated billing. In the past three years, we have closed the metering gap by supplying 2.5 million meters via the Presidential Metering Initiative.
“We have established a N4 trillion bond programme to settle verified legacy debts owed to GENCOs and GASCOs.
“Under our administration, power generation sometimes peaked at 6000MW, 50 per cent higher than we had inherited. Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable, and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries.”
“We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates, and weak infrastructure. Today, we are witnessing a turnaround:
” The naira is strengthening, foreign reserves are rising, and our economic outlook is positive despite the inflationary disruption caused by the war in Iran and the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. We have strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, financial management, and better fiscal coordination,” President Tinubu said.
He urged the APC administration to remain proud of the achievements recorded since the party assumed office in 2015, including the economic progress made in the last three years of his administration, while noting that the work of national development remains unfinished.
“With faith in God, confidence in our people, and hope in our future, I accept this nomination with a renewed resolve to serve our people. I thank all our party members for bestowing on me the honour of being our torchbearer and candidate in the January 2027 election,” he said.
President Tinubu pledged to build a more inclusive government, the one that listens, learns, and leads with the best interests of all Nigerians at heart.
