Tinubu: Strong turnout at party primaries has energised me

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his participation in the staggered primaries has boosted his resolve to intensify his service, saying he is “excited” and “challenged”.

The president said Saturday at Ward L2, Ikoyi, that the high turnout and visible support at his party’s staggered primaries have energised him to redouble efforts in office, describing the grassroots participation as both an encouragement and a challenge to do more for the people.

“I’m just excited,” he told reporters, reflecting on scenes from ward and local government congresses to delegate accreditation exercises around the country. “They challenge me more.”

The president framed the primaries not only as a demonstration of internal democracy but also as a source of renewed mandate from party members. “This is politics, grassroots politics, where every member of the party has a right to participate and be involved,” he said. “It’s to ensure that we have an internal democracy and it’s peaceful and well‑organised.”

When asked whether he was satisfied after giving state governors the authority to organise primaries in their states, he said he was “very, very satisfied”, praising the conduct from the local congresses through to certification of results. “They’ve done well in their various states,” he added. “At least, you will score democracy at a high level.”

The president tied the strong participation to a renewed responsibility: the turnout, he said, compels him to accelerate delivery on promises and deepen engagement with citizens. “When people come out in numbers like this, it gives you more energy to work harder, to meet their expectations,” he said.