We won’t allow opposition to drag Nigeria back, Tinubu vows

Renews pledge to serve Nigeria with greater determination

Calls on NASS to amend the Constitution to allow State police

Says reforms already delivering results

By Mathew Brangyet

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, declared that his administration had already taken “giant steps forward” in repositioning Nigeria and warned against what he described as attempts by politicians without a clear alternative vision to reverse the country’s progress.

Speaking in his acceptance speech after receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) certificate of return and the party’s flag as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Tinubu said Nigerians must resist complacency and remain committed to sustaining ongoing reforms.

“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 backwards,” the President said.

Tinubu, who emerged winner of the APC’s nationwide direct presidential primary conducted on Saturday, used the occasion to defend his administration’s record and make a fresh appeal for national support as he seeks another term in office.

He also renewed his personal commitment to the country, pledging to pursue governance with greater energy and determination.

“In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination,” he declared.

The President said continuity had become necessary to consolidate the gains of reforms initiated by his administration, stressing that while the 2022 campaign focused on charting a new course for the country, the task ahead was to deepen and sustain progress already made.

He said his government had undertaken significant structural reforms in the economy, including fiscal adjustments, tax reforms and measures aimed at strengthening public revenue.

According to him, the administration had also delivered on its promise to reduce barriers to education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, disclosing that over N282 billion had already been disbursed to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.

On power, Tinubu said the government had significantly reduced the metering gap through the Presidential Metering Initiative, providing about 2.5 million meters in three years.

He further said his administration had established a N4 trillion bond programme to settle legacy debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies, noting that electricity generation had at times reached 6,000 megawatts, about 50 per cent above levels inherited by his government.

“Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries,” he stated.

Tinubu also defended his administration’s controversial economic decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms.

He argued that the measures were beginning to yield positive outcomes, citing improving foreign reserves, a strengthening naira and positive economic projections despite global pressures caused by tensions in the Middle East and the war involving Iran.

“We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates and weak infrastructure. Today we are witnessing a turnaround,” he said.

The President highlighted infrastructure development as another major focus of his administration, pointing to ongoing investments in transportation, digital connectivity, housing, irrigation and energy.

He said the government was constructing durable concrete roads and major highway projects, including the coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry route, while also revitalising airports and seaports neglected for years.

Tinubu added that reforms in the oil and gas sector had helped attract billions of dollars in new investments into what he described as a previously struggling industry.

He also spoke on social investment programmes and national cohesion, saying government interventions had focused on vulnerable households, youths, women and small businesses.

Quoting from the national anthem, he urged Nigerians to resist divisive tendencies.

“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he said, adding that Nigerians must remain united against forces seeking to fracture national cohesion.

The President acknowledged that many Nigerians were still experiencing economic hardship and rising costs of living but assured citizens that his administration was not disconnected from the realities confronting the population.

“We do not dismiss these concerns; we understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality, with honesty and action,” he said.

On security, Tinubu admitted that challenges remained across parts of the country and said his administration had intensified efforts to improve the nation’s security architecture through investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance systems and modern equipment.

He also called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of state police.

“We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of state police as a matter of national emergency,” he stated.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to pursue lasting peace and stability.

“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” he said.

Tinubu extended an olive branch to political opponents, saying differing political positions should not prevent collaboration in national development.

“To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building. To those who differ with our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement,” he stated.

He said democracy thrives on diversity of views and collective commitment to nation-building, urging Nigerians across all regions to work together toward a shared future.

The President concluded his speech by promising a more inclusive administration if re-elected, saying his government would continue listening, learning and governing in the overall interest of Nigerians.

“I pledge to build an even more inclusive government, one that listens, learns and leads with the best interests of all Nigerians at heart,” he said.

The collation and declaration of the results of the presidential primary, which held at the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, was witnessed by a large turnout of party leaders and members, including state governors, National Assembly members, National Working Committee and National Executive Council members of the party, ministers, leaders of the state chapters of the party and other stakeholders.