President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 election, declaring that Nigeria's ongoing economic reforms are now irreversible and the nation must not revert to past practices.
Acceptance Speech Highlights
In a defiant, campaign-style address delivered in Abuja on Sunday, Tinubu called on Nigerians to renew his mandate for another four years. He pledged to deepen reforms, expand infrastructure, tackle insecurity, and consolidate what he termed the economic gains of his administration.
Acknowledging Hardship
The President acknowledged the widespread hardship and rising cost of living experienced by citizens. However, he maintained that his government had stabilized the economy through key measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate reforms, improved revenue generation, and fiscal restructuring.
“We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates, and weak infrastructure. Today, we are witnessing a turnaround,” Tinubu declared.
Defending His Record
Tinubu used the speech to defend his administration's achievements in education, power, and infrastructure. He cited the student loan scheme, the rollout of electricity meters, highway construction projects, and renewed investment in the oil and gas sector as evidence of progress.
Security and State Police
On security, the President admitted that challenges persist across various parts of the country. He vowed, however, that his administration would intensify efforts to restore peace and stability nationwide. Tinubu also threw his weight behind the creation of state police, describing it as a national emergency.
Warning to Opposition
In what appeared to be a direct swipe at the opposition ahead of the 2027 race, Tinubu warned Nigerians against entrusting power to “politicians with no clear alternative vision.”
“This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity,” he said.
Setting the Stage for 2027
The speech marks Tinubu's formal entry into the 2027 presidential contest and sets the tone for what is expected to be a fierce battle over the direction of Nigeria's economy and democracy.
