President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration has made “giant steps forward” in repositioning Nigeria, warning against efforts by politicians without a clear alternative vision to reverse the country’s progress.
Tinubu made the remarks on Sunday while delivering his acceptance speech after receiving the presidential flag and certificate of return as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu emerged winner of the APC nationwide direct presidential primary with more than 10 million votes. He said continuity was necessary to consolidate ongoing reforms and sustain economic recovery efforts.
“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination,” he stated.
Defending his administration’s economic policies, Tinubu said the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate reforms were beginning to yield positive outcomes.
“We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates and weak infrastructure. Today we are witnessing a turnaround,” he said.
The President highlighted achievements recorded in education, power, infrastructure and social investment programmes. According to him, over N282 billion has been disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.
On the power sector, Tinubu said the Presidential Metering Initiative had helped reduce the metering gap by delivering about 2.5 million meters within three years.
He also disclosed that the administration created a N4 trillion bond programme to settle longstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies.
“Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries,” Tinubu said, while acknowledging that significant challenges still remain in the sector.
The President further pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the coastal highway and Sokoto–Badagry road project, alongside investments in airports, seaports, housing, irrigation and digital connectivity.
On insecurity, Tinubu said his administration had increased investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and security equipment. He also urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the Constitution to allow 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 stated.
Tinubu further appealed for national unity and cooperation across political divides.
“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,” he said.
Quoting from the national anthem, the President urged Nigerians to remain united despite ethnic and linguistic differences.
“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he added.
Acknowledging the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, Tinubu insisted that the government understood the realities confronting citizens.
“We do not dismiss these concerns; we understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality, with honesty and action,” Tinubu said.
The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, was attended by APC governors, ministers, lawmakers, party leaders and other stakeholders.
