By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu on Sunday cautioned Nigerians not to allow politicians with no clear vision to take the country backward.

The President also promised to consolidate the reforms his administration has embarked on, to work harder for the posterity Nigerians have longed for, and to place the country on an irreversible path within another four years.
President Tinubu spoke when he was handed the Certificate of Return and the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

While congratulating his opponent for the APC presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo, for being a good sportsman and accepting the outcome of the party primaries, he said he bore no grudge against him.

President Tinubu also expressed his willingness to dialogue with political opponents and critics of his administration.

Addressing party leaders and supporters at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja after being declared the APC presidential candidate for 2027 with 10.9 million votes, Tinubu said democracy was built not on uniformity of thought but on diversity of ideas anchored in a shared belief in the nation.

“To those who despise our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, not anger, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the results of our work will speak for themselves,” he said.

Addressing his challenger directly by name, he stated, “I owe you no grudge, including Osifo, who spent his money.”

Osifo, a businessman from Edo State, paid N100m for the APC presidential nomination form and refused to step down after a planned consensus arrangement for the primary collapsed. He polled 16,503 votes nationwide.

Tinubu said disagreement with the opposition is a feature of democracy rather than a threat.

“You may be angry with our party; we don’t have to agree. Democracy is sustained not by uniformity but by diversity, by a shared belief in the nation, and the blending of ideas,” he said.

He said the event was a celebration of another moment in the country’s democratic journey — a history not defined by any individual but by the collective resolve to build a stable, prosperous, and just nation.

“Four years ago, I stood before you as an aspirant to the highest office in our country, seeking your mandate alongside many distinguished compatriots and fellow aspirants, driven by conviction and patriotism. I recall with gratitude how I sat that night at Eagle Square beside my friend, ally, and predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, of blessed memory. With your support, I emerged as our party’s candidate and, months later, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” 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,” the President said.

He thanked the party leadership, APC governors, the National Working Committee, members of the National Assembly, and loyal party members and stakeholders who have contributed to the unity and strength of the party.

“I also acknowledge the steadfast support and sacrifices of Nigerians across all walks of life who continue to believe in the difficult but necessary path of reform we have chosen to rebuild our nation,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “Since that night in June 2022, a lot has changed. The political landscape has evolved. Electoral reforms have strengthened the credibility of our democratic process. Voting patterns and expectations are shifting. Our economy has undergone significant structural reform, supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the federation.

“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 more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.

“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 6,000MW, 50 percent higher than what we 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.

“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.”

He noted that despite his administration’s efforts, 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 said.

President Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges still confronting parts of the country and assured that he would take seriously the responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian.

“Our government has intensified efforts to strengthen our security architecture, support our brave armed forces and the police, and forge stronger partnerships with local communities.

“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.

“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination.

“With another four years of disciplined focus and national cooperation, we will firmly place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation.”

He added: “Our mission remains clear: to build a Nigeria where every life, including property, is secure; where enterprise thrives; where workers earn with dignity; where young people find opportunity; and where farmers prosper. And where every Nigerian, regardless of background, can dream big and succeed.

“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.”

Advising Nigerians not to gamble with the forthcoming election, Tinubu said: “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 backward.

“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.

“Together, and with the help of God Almighty, we shall build a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria for generations to come. I pledge to build an even more inclusive government, one that listens, learns, and leads with the best interests of all Nigerians at heart.”

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