Abuja: President Bola Tinubu on Sunday formally embraced the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, vowing to intensify his reform agenda and push Nigeria’s development strides further into the future.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja while delivering his acceptance speech as the APC flagbearer for the 2027 general elections.
“Today, we celebrate another proud moment in our democratic journey, a history not defined by any individual, but by our collective resolve.”
Reflecting on his journey, the president recalled how he became the party’s candidate in 2022 and later assumed the presidency with support from party members and Nigerians.
“Today, I return as your incumbent President, humbled by your support and encouraged by your continued confidence.”
Tinubu said the task before the party was to sustain continuity, consolidate reforms and modernise Nigeria.
“I accept, with humility and gratitude, the APC nomination to again stand as its Presidential candidate.”
He thanked party leaders, governors, the National Working Committee, lawmakers and members for sustaining the unity and strength of the APC.
The president also thanked Nigerians for supporting what he called the “difficult but necessary path of reform” his administration has taken.
Tinubu said the administration had implemented major structural reforms, strengthened public finances and improved revenue generation through new tax and fiscal policies.
“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund,” he said.
According to him, over N282 billion had been disbursed to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries under the student loan scheme.
On power reforms, Tinubu said the administration had supplied 2.5 million electricity meters and established a N4 trillion bond programme to settle legacy debts owed to GENCOs and GASCOs.
“Under our administration, power generation sometimes peaked at 6000MW, 50 per cent higher than we had inherited.”
Tinubu said his government had also removed fuel subsidies, unified exchange rates, and initiated reforms to promote macroeconomic stability.
The president said the administration prioritised projects in transportation, power, housing, irrigation, and digital connectivity for growth and industrialisation.
“We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians still faced economic hardship and rising living costs but assured citizens that the government remained focused on delivering lasting solutions.
The president addressed insecurity, assuring Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and strengthening national security nationwide.
To further improve security, he urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments that would enable the establishment of state police across the federation.
“We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency,” he said.
The president said his administration would keep pursuing industrialisation, energy security, food sufficiency, infrastructure development, and democracy.
“Our mission remains clear: To build a Nigeria where every life is secure, where enterprise thrives, and where young people find opportunity,” Tinubu said.
He concluded by calling for national unity and urging Nigerians across political, ethnic, and regional divides to work together for the country’s progress.
Tinubu pledged to build a more inclusive government and continue serving Nigerians with sincerity, commitment, and determination.
“I pledge to build an even more inclusive government, one that listens, learns, and leads with the best interests of all Nigerians at heart,” the president said.
Tinubu polled 10,999,162 votes to emerge the winner of the APC presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections after defeating his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, in the party’s nationwide direct primary election.