Tinubu accepts APC ticket, vows to keep Nigeria on ‘irreversible path’

President Bola Tinubu has accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress for the 2027 election, declaring that Nigeria was on an “irreversible path of economic expansion” and warning against politicians seeking to “take our country backwards”.

Speaking on Sunday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the task before the party was to consolidate reforms and secure long-term national progress.

“Today, our task is to affirm that continuity is essential, to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria,” he said.

Tinubu, who emerged as the APC flagbearer ahead of the January 2027 presidential election, said he accepted the nomination “with humility and profound gratitude”.

The President reflected on his emergence as the party’s candidate in 2022 and his subsequent election victory, recalling how he sat at Eagle Square beside his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

“With your support, I emerged as our party’s candidate and, months later, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.

“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.”

The President defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying Nigeria had 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,” he said.

Tinubu also highlighted achievements in education, power and infrastructure, saying the government had delivered on several campaign promises.

“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and over 1.5 million beneficiaries,” he said.

On electricity supply, the President said, “In the past three years, we have closed the metering gap by supplying 2.5 million meters via the Presidential Metering Initiative.”

He added that the administration had created “a N4 trillion bond programme to settle verified legacy debts owed to GENCOs and GASCOs” and noted that power generation had at times reached 6,000 megawatts.

“Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable, and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries,” he added.

Tinubu further said his administration was prioritising roads, transportation, housing and digital infrastructure to drive economic 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,” he said.

The President acknowledged that many Nigerians were still facing economic hardship amid ongoing reforms.

“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 said.

On insecurity, Tinubu said his administration had intensified efforts to strengthen security operations across the country.

“We have invested in intelligence, surveillance, and modern equipment, and we are addressing the root causes of insecurity,” he stated.

He also urged the National Assembly to support constitutional amendments for the establishment of state police.

“We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency,” he said.

The President pledged that his administration would continue working to restore peace nationwide.

“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” Tinubu declared. “Our resolve is unwavering, and our goal is clear: a Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and aspire without fear.”

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and political divisions.

“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand,” he said, quoting the national anthem.

“As Nigerians, we must continue to stand together for our country against all forces that seek to divide us.”

Tinubu also extended an olive branch to opposition figures and critics of his administration.

“To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building,” he said.

“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.”

The President described the 2027 election as more than a political contest.

“This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity,” he said.

“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.”

Tinubu concluded by promising a more inclusive government if re-elected.

“I pledge to build an even more inclusive government, one that listens, learns, and leads with the best interests of all Nigerians at heart,” he said.