May 24, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu on Sunday admitted that there is hardship in the country due to his economic reforms and asked Nigerians for another four years to consolidate on the gains of his policies, warning that allowing the opposition to take over power in 2027 would take Nigeria backward.
Speaking at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, venue of the final collation and announcement of the results of the governing All Progressives Congress’, APC, presidential primary held on Saturday and the official handing over of the party’s Certificate of Return and flag to him as its candidate for the 2027 general election, Tinubu said administrative continuity would guarantee prosperity and growth for every Nigerian.
On the prevailing hardship, he said, “I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters. If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too.”
Even so, he warned against allowing the opposition to take over power in 2027.
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.”
The event was attended by APC governors, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly members and other key stakeholders of the party from across the federation.
The party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, formally handed over the flag and certificate to the President shortly after the affirmation of his candidature following his victory in the party’s presidential primary election, where he polled 10,999,162 votes to defeat his challenger, Stanley Osifo, who secured 16,505 votes.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, Tinubu described the nomination as a renewed call to service and pledged to intensify efforts aimed at repositioning Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development.
Apart from the hardship, President Tinubu admitted that the country was facing serious security challenges and reaffirmed his determination to surmount them.
“I also acknowledge the security challenges still confronting parts of our beloved nation. 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. 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.”
He assured party members and other Nigerians that his administration would continue to pursue policies targeted at economic recovery, infrastructure expansion, improved security, job creation and democratic stability.
The President also pledged to build a more inclusive government that listens to the concerns and aspirations of all Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious differences.
Tinubu further urged members of the APC to remain united and committed ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that party cohesion would be vital in consolidating the achievements recorded under his administration.
He listed some valuable gains from his reforms in the areas of electoral laws which have strengthened the credibility of our democratic process, new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the country as well as the support to higher education for the youth.
“Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and over 1.5 million beneficiaries. improving our airports and seaports after decades of neglect. Reforms in the oil and gas sector and are attracting billions of dollars in fresh investment into a sector that was almost comatose and social investment and human capital programmes target vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses, he said, adding that:
“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.
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