By Sodiq Adelakun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election, declaring that Nigeria must not be handed over to politicians without a clear alternative vision.
Tinubu spoke on Sunday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja after emerging winner of the APC presidential primary election with 10,999,162 votes, defeating his challenger, Stanley Osifo, who secured 16,503 votes.
The President said the 2027 election should focus on consolidating reforms and sustaining economic progress already initiated by his administration.
“This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity,” Tinubu 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 stated that his administration had laid foundations for long-term economic growth through reforms in the oil and gas sector, power, education and fiscal policies.
According to him, Nigeria was beginning to witness positive economic indicators following the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate reforms.
“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.
The President also highlighted achievements recorded under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, noting that over N282bn had been disbursed to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.
On electricity, Tinubu said his administration had supplied 2.5 million meters through the Presidential Metering Initiative and introduced a N4tn bond programme to clear debts owed to power generation and gas companies.
He added that power generation had at some points reached 6,000 megawatts, which he described as 50 per cent higher than what his administration inherited.
Tinubu acknowledged the economic hardship currently faced by many Nigerians but assured citizens that the government remained committed to addressing their concerns.
“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.
The APC flagbearer also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, urging the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to tackle insecurity across the country.
“We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency,” he added.
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Tinubu called for unity across political, ethnic and religious lines, saying his administration would continue to pursue inclusive governance and national development.
He expressed confidence that another four years would place Nigeria on what he described as “an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency and democratic consolidation.”
