From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, addressing the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja on Thursday, welcomed endorsements and new party members, stating, “Welcome to the progressives; sweep them clean.” He expressed confidence in gaining further support for the 2027 elections.
Moreover, Tinubu reaffirmed his partnership with Vice President Kashim Shettima, though recent endorsements omitted Shettima’s role in future plans. He boldly declared, “There’s nothing wrong with a one-party system,” emphasising APC’s dominance as Nigeria’s leading political force.
Tinubu defended his economic reforms, saying, “Our economic reforms are working. There’s nothing good that comes easy.” He justified removing fuel subsidies, calling them “the grandparent of corruption”, and noted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recovery of over 750 properties linked to a corrupt individual.
Additionally, he urged the National Assembly to expedite tax legislation, asking, “Senate President, Speaker, where are the tax bills? I hope they are on their way.” Tinubu called for resilience, promising to address public concerns, and stated, “We have the opportunity to make this continent a great one, not just Nigeria.”
He identified indiscipline, corruption, and power abuse as key challenges but pledged Nigeria’s industrialisation within years, saying, “We have the mission; we have the vision.”
Concluding, the president rallied APC supporters, declaring, “Sweep the dust away. Thank you for your endorsements.”