By Duchess Ifeoluwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday formally accepted the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 general election, pledging to consolidate ongoing reforms and strengthen national development.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja while delivering his acceptance speech after emerging as the APC presidential flagbearer for the election.
The President described the moment as another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and thanked party members for their continued support and confidence in his leadership.
“Today, we celebrate another proud moment in our democratic journey, a history not defined by any individual, but by our collective resolve,” he said.
Tinubu recalled how he emerged as the APC candidate in 2022 and later won the presidential election with the support of Nigerians and party faithful.
“Today, I return as your incumbent President, humbled by your enduring support and encouraged by your continued confidence,” he stated.
The President said the party must focus on sustaining continuity, consolidating reforms and strengthening the foundation of a modern Nigeria.
“I accept, with humility and profound gratitude, the nomination of our great party, the APC, to stand again as its presidential candidate,” he added.
Tinubu commended APC leaders, governors, members of the National Working Committee, lawmakers and party members for sustaining the unity and strength of the ruling party.
He also appreciated Nigerians for supporting what he described as the difficult but necessary reforms initiated by his administration.
According to him, the government had implemented major structural reforms, strengthened public finances and improved revenue generation through new tax and fiscal policies.
The President highlighted achievements in the education sector, particularly the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund,” he said.
Tinubu disclosed that more than N282 billion had been disbursed to over 1.5 million beneficiaries under the student loan scheme.
On power sector reforms, the President said the administration had supplied about 2.5 million electricity meters and established a N4 trillion bond programme to settle legacy debts owed to generating and gas companies.
“Under our administration, power generation sometimes peaked at 6000MW, 50 per cent higher than we had inherited,” he said.
Tinubu also defended the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates, saying the policies were necessary to stabilise the economy and boost investor confidence.
He added that the administration had prioritised infrastructure development in transportation, housing, irrigation, power and digital connectivity as part of efforts to drive industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
“We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years,” the President stated.
Tinubu acknowledged the economic hardship currently being experienced by many Nigerians but assured citizens that the government remained committed to implementing lasting solutions.
On insecurity, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and restoring peace across the country.
He also urged the National Assembly to expedite action on constitutional amendments that would allow the establishment of state police nationwide.
“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.
