Summary:
clarifies position on one-party state
Insist on promise to address power supply challenges
List achievements amid tight economic conditions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomes criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people.
He stated this on Friday night while speaking at 4th Elective National Convention of the APC held at Eagles Square, Abuja, under the theme “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda”.
Tinubu said it is public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings.
He stated that the Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
“The Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule. Therefore, our commitment is to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible elections and protect the integrity of our elections, and continue building a stronger, secure, and united nation,” he said.
He also dismissed the notion that the ruling party is seeking a one-party state.
“Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance,” he added.
Tinubu noted that political parties failed when ego took over ideology and ambition replaced discipline.
He said, “Let me say this clearly and sincerely: Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity. Political parties do not fail only through electoral defeats. Often, they falter when ego overrides ideology or when ambition replaces discipline. They fail when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against those tendencies at all costs.
“Therefore, this Convention must send one clear message to Nigerians and the world: Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.
“We must also remind ourselves that this party is not merely a vehicle specially built to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories. It was founded as a vehicle for national transformation, a home for anybody who wants to build a Nigeria where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security reigns, poverty declines, and every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region or social status, can live with dignity and hope.”
The president said the when Nigerians reaffirmed APC leadership of the country as the governing party in 2023, it made a solemn promise to chart a new course for national renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that that agenda was not conceived as just another campaign slogan but as a governing philosophy.
He said, “We knew the road to reform would be tough. We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions. But we also knew: no nation rises by hiding from the truth. No economy grows by sustaining wasteful subsidies or dysfunctional priorities. No future is built on perpetual self-denial.
“That is why we chose the path of reform, And I assure you: The sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow. Our leaders, party members, and supporters can take pride in the success we have achieved in redirecting our country.”
Tinubu said since assuming office, the APC government had remained focused on delivering on its mandate to the Nigerian people.
He said, “Despite the complex global economic and political environment and the fact that we are currently experiencing another unanticipated blowout arising from the US-Israeli-Iranian War, we have made notable strides.
“We have made strides in infrastructure development, including the construction of superhighways and concrete-and-steel roads.
“Apart from roads, we are modernising our seaports and airports. We have begun the implementation of historic tax and fiscal policy reforms. We are implementing social investment programmes, and have embarked on efforts to strengthen our national security.
“We have further built up foreign exchange buffers to protect the economy against external shocks. Our stock market is booming, and listed companies are recording mega profits. Our GDP is growing. We have successively recorded trade surpluses. Inflation has declined steadily for eight consecutive months to 14.45%, while food prices are easing, bringing gradual relief to households. Business confidence is returning, with 12 consecutive months of economic activity expansion.
“Investor confidence has vastly improved. Our oil and gas sector has once more become attractive to foreign investment, following our reforms. Our Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400%, and Nigeria exited the FATF Grey List, marking a decisive return to global financial credibility.”
The President said his administration was paying attention to the complaints of Nigerians over epileptic power supply, assuring them of improvement.
He said, “Despite these achievements, we continue to face legacy issues such as electricity supply, debts to GENCOs and gas suppliers, and antiquated transmission infrastructure. Recently, we announced plans to address this by establishing the Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO), which will inject approximately 1,600 megawatts into a new grid corridor.”
To the young people in the party and Nigeria, he said, “Let me speak directly to you. You are not only the future of Nigeria. You are our hope for a more glorious and assured future. Your creativity, innovation, digital fluency, enterprising spirit, and courage are our greatest national assets. This party must continue to open more doors for youth participation, not as props, but as decision makers. We must nurture a generation of young progressives who are not only politically active but intellectually grounded, morally disciplined, and nationally committed. The future we seek cannot be built without you at its centre.”
To the women of Nigeria and our party, Tinubu said, “Your role in our growth and stability is essential. This party must continue to open wider spaces for women to lead, influence policy, and shape Nigeria’s democracy. A party that excludes women weakens itself; a party that empowers women will be stronger and more resilient. We have heard your calls, and we will act to ensure more women occupy leadership roles in party organs and government at all levels.”
He charged the APC NWC to sustain the expansive political structure through credible leadership and transparent party management, anchored in a reliable, verifiable database of our members nationwide.
The president called for a moment of silence in memory of the first leader and the first elected president produced by the party, President Muhammadu Buhari, and other leaders and members who had passed on to eternal glory.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended President Tinubu, saying he has sight and vision which have transformed Nigeria in many ways.
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, sought continuity for the president and members of the National Assembly.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, requested a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives due to insecurity.
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, as well as Vice Chairman of the Convention Committee also praised the Tinubu administration.