Isaac Samuel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, defended his administration’s economic reforms, urging Nigerians to endure current hardship as he insisted that the “sacrifices of today” would lay the foundation for future prosperity.
Speaking at the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at Eagle Square, Abuja, Tinubu said the tough decisions taken by his government were necessary to reposition the economy and secure long-term growth.
The President maintained that recent policy measures, including fiscal and economic reforms, were already yielding results, noting improvements in key indicators such as inflation, foreign exchange stability, and investor confidence.
According to him, inflation has declined steadily for eight consecutive months, while the country has recorded trade surpluses, a rebound in economic activity, and increased foreign investment in the oil and gas sector.
“When Nigerians reaffirmed our leadership of the country as the governing party in 2023, we made a solemn promise to chart a new course for national renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda. That agenda was not conceived as just another campaign slogan. It was conceived as a governing philosophy.
“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”, the President said.
Tinubu, however, acknowledged persisting challenges, particularly in the power sector, citing debts to generation companies and weak transmission infrastructure.
He disclosed plans to establish a Grid Asset Management Company to boost electricity supply.
While addressing party faithful, the President emphasised unity within the APC, warning against internal divisions and personal ambitions that could weaken the party ahead of future elections.
“Political parties do not fail only through electoral defeats. They falter when ego overrides ideology or when ambition replaces discipline,” he cautioned.
He said the convention should send a clear signal that the ruling party remains strong, united and focused, dismissing insinuations that the APC was drifting towards a one-party state.
“We do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition,” Tinubu said, even as he criticised opposition groups for what he described as persistent attacks on the Electoral Act 2026.
According to him, criticisms of the law were misplaced, noting that the legislation followed due legislative processes and was aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
Tinubu also used the occasion to rally support among youths and women, pledging to expand their participation in governance and party leadership structures.
“You are not only the future of Nigeria, you are our hope,” he told young people, while assuring women of greater inclusion in decision-making processes.
He further urged delegates and aspirants at the convention to conduct themselves with integrity, stressing that the outcome of internal contests should not breed division within the party.
“At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor. We are one family, marching forward with clarity, discipline and purpose,” he said.
