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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday formally accepted the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination to run for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, pledging to continue the “difficult but necessary” reforms that he says have steadied Nigeria’s economy and improved services while promising intensified action on security, education and infrastructure.
Speaking at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu surrounded by his wife Oluremi, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, among others, framed his re-nomination as a call to consolidate gains, arguing that “continuity is essential—to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria.” He thanked party leaders and grassroots supporters and said he accepted the nomination “with humility and profound gratitude.”
On the economy, Tinubu credited his administration with structural reforms that he said reversed earlier instability. “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,” he declared, while acknowledging inflationary pressures caused by global turmoil.
Tinubu highlighted achievements he said benefit young Nigerians: “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 also touted progress in power supply, saying his administration had “closed the metering gap by supplying 2.5 million meters via the Presidential Metering Initiative” and created “a N4 trillion bond programme to settle verified legacy debts owed to GENCOs and GASCOs.” He added that power generation “sometimes peaked at 6000MW, 50 per cent higher than we had inherited.”
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On infrastructure and investment, Tinubu promised more durable projects, saying the government is “building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years,” and that reforms in oil and gas were attracting “billions of dollars in fresh investment.”
Security remained central to the pitch. Tinubu acknowledged persistent threats and pledged stronger responses: “I assure you that I 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.” He urged constitutional change to allow state police, saying he expects “the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency.”
Tinubu struck a reconciliatory tone toward rivals but warned against backsliding. “To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building,” he said. “This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity.” He added, “Let’s not give in to complacency by allowing politicians with no clear alternative vision to take our country backwards.”
The president conceded living costs remain a concern: “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 pledged to pursue policies that will deliver “economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation.”
Closing his address, Tinubu invoked national unity and faith: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand,” and said he accepted the APC ticket “with a renewed resolve to serve our people.” He promised an inclusive government “that listens, learns, and leads with the best interests of all Nigerians at heart,” and appealed for collective effort: “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.”
