Tinubu accepts endorsement as APC sole candidate
Spurred by his endorsement as the All Progressives Congress (APC) sole candidate for the 2027 presidential poll by the various organs of the party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday promised to do more for the country.
The organs – APC Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), National Working Committee (NWC) and members of the party in the National Assembly adopted the President at the APC National Policy Summit tagged: “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far.”
The event held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Tinubu expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to leading Nigeria into a new era of prosperity, saying the “economic reforms” introduced by his administration are working.
“With your support, with your determination, with your resilience, you just believe in our democracy. The endorsement today, the ‘carry-go’ inspiration; I know road. We will lead you on to that Promised Land,” the President assured party faithful.
The summit, attended by top APC stakeholders, served as a platform to review the administration’s performance and restate its policy direction.
Reflecting on the two years since his inauguration, President Tinubu highlighted the economic challenges his administration inherited and the bold steps taken to restore national stability.
He specifically cited the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange windows as necessary – though painful – reforms.
“We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and of unborn babies ahead of their birth. You don’t commit abortion after the baby is born. That’s murder”, he said, defending his action on the fuel subsidy upon assumption of office.
Tinubu emphasized that these reforms, while unpopular with certain elites, have begun to yield positive results, including an uptick in foreign direct investment and greater macroeconomic stability.
“Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023, but we have made progress by implementing difficult, long overdue, but necessary economic reforms. Our economic reforms are working”, he said.
The President acknowledged the difficulties ordinary Nigerians have faced due to his administration’s policy decisions, but he urged patience and perseverance, assuring that the sacrifices being made will lead to a more prosperous future.
“They fought us with everything at their disposal, but we never said die. We are on. Those selfish elites today must salute the courage of every one of you… salute Nigerians for their perseverance, their patience, their resiliency”, he declared, referencing resistance from entrenched interests.
Highlighting ongoing anti-corruption efforts, Tinubu pointed to a major asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which reportedly retrieved over 750 properties from a single individual.
“How fast would you have reconstructed this country if you allowed the arbitrage in the exchange rate to continue? That is the grandmother, father of corruption,” he said.
He also appealed to the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of pending tax reform bills, calling out the Senate President and Speaker during his address.
“I hope the bills are passed and will be on their way,” he said.
Tinubu said his administration is redirecting public funds towards essential sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“We have redirected the easy money away from currency speculators and greedy barons… directed those funds to healthcare, education and infrastructure”, he said.
He urged Nigerians to resist discouragement from critics and to continue supporting the administration’s vision.
“They will continue to abuse, criticize us. Keep faith, my dear brothers and sisters. Be courageous. Confront them. To those who are still contemplating to bail out of their ships, leave them in their empty noise-making vessels”, he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to look beyond the temporary discomfort and embrace the long-term benefits of difficult decisions.
“We must persevere, not because I simply say so, but because it is correct. It is not the easy way out—to bankrupt the nation and leave our house to fall apart”, he said.
He acknowledged the concerns of citizens over basic amenities, noting that “it’s a shame if today, there are communities without potable water” and emphasized his government’s resolve to address such social deficits.
On more political opportunities, Tinubu urged patience among loyalists, saying “to many of you I have not offered political positions, just be patient… there’re so many things coming that will be great, and you’ll be proud of belonging to this party.”
He called for unity and national renewal, pledging continued commitment to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” as Nigeria charts its path toward industrialisation and sustainable development.
“We are the progressives, we’re a happy family. We will trudge on and shoulder on. If in just the first two years we are where we are today, then the next few years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision”, he said.
