President Bola Tinubu was awarded with the certificate of return on Sunday, following his victory as the All Progressive Congress, APC, presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu polled 10.99 million votes to overcome his solitary opponent, Stanley Osifo, who received 16,504 votes in the presidential primaries held in 8,809 wards around the country.
Following his victory, the president spoke on Nigeria’s democratic experience and what to expect as the elections approach.
Today, we commemorate another great moment in our democratic journey—a history defined not by any man, but by our collective will to create a stable, successful, and just society.
Four years ago, I stood before you as a candidate for our country’s highest office, seeking your mandate with many great compatriots and fellow aspirants motivated by conviction and patriotism.
With thankfulness, I recall sitting that night at Eagle Square beside my friend, ally, and predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, of blessed memory. With your support, I became our party’s candidate and, months later, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Today, I return as your incumbent President, humbled by your unwavering support, encouraged by your ongoing confidence, and filled with a newfound enthusiasm for the work ahead.
In 2022, our duty was to define a new course for our party and nation. Today, our duty is to underscore the importance of continuity in consolidating change, ensuring growth, and strengthening the foundation of a contemporary Nigeria.
With humility and appreciation, I accept the nomination of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, to run for President again in the 2027 election.
I congratulate the party leadership, our governors, the National Working Committee, members of the National Assembly, loyal party members, and stakeholders for their contributions to the party’s unity and strength. I also recognise the unwavering support and sacrifices of Nigerians from all walks of life who continue to trust in the difficult but necessary reform road we have chosen to restore our country.
Many things have changed since that night in June 2022. The political scene has shifted.
Electoral reforms have increased the legitimacy of our democratic process.
Voting trends and expectations are changing. Our economy has experienced major structural reform, with new tax laws and budgetary policies that have increased revenue collection for the federation.
We vowed to eliminate financial impediments to higher education for our young. Today, we launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has disbursed over N282 billion to over 1.5 million beneficiaries.
We pledged to increase the power supply and put an end to anticipated billing. Over the last three years, we have addressed the metering gap by distributing 2.5 million meters through the Presidential Metering Initiative.
We have launched an N4 trillion bond plan to pay off verifiable legacy debts owing to GENCOs and GASCOs. Under our administration, power generation sometimes reached at 6000MW, which was 50% higher than what we had inherited.
Our plan focuses on transforming the power industry into one that is bankable, investable, and capable of supplying power to homes and companies.
We moved away from inefficient fuel subsidies, volatile exchange rates, and inadequate infrastructure. Today, we are witnessing a turnaround: the naira is strengthening, foreign reserves are increasing, and our economic outlook is optimistic, despite the inflationary disturbance produced by the Iranian war and the Middle Eastern geopolitical turmoil. We have increased macroeconomic stability by improving revenue performance, financial management, and fiscal coordination.
We have prioritised infrastructure in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation as engines of equitable growth. We are developing concrete, long-lasting roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry corridor. We are modernising our airports and seaports after decades of neglect. We have transformed the oil and gas sector, drawing billions of dollars in new investment in an industry that was nearly dead.
Our social investment and human capital projects focus on vulnerable households, youth, women, and small companies. In addition, we are regaining our national values and ethos, which are founded on solidarity and the unbreakable link of togetherness. While our founding and now revitalised national song acknowledges our variety, it also reminds us of the work we must do to build a stronger and more perfect union.
“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand” : Nigerians must continue to stand united for our country against all forces that aim to separate us.
However, issues remain. Many Nigerians continue to suffer with growing costs and economic adjustment. We do not reject these concerns; rather, we comprehend them and rule in reality—with honesty and action.
I also accept that some sections of our beloved country continue to face security issues. I promise you that I take seriously my obligation to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians. Our administration has stepped up efforts to enhance our security architecture, assist our brave armed troops and police, and build greater partnerships with local communities.
We have invested in intelligence, surveillance, and advanced equipment, and we are addressing the underlying causes of insecurity. We also expect the National Assembly to modify the Constitution to authorise the establishment of State police in the event of a national emergency.
We shall not stop until we have restored peace and stability throughout our country. Our dedication is unshakeable, and our goal is clear: a Nigeria in which every person may live, work, and pursue their dreams without fear.
As leaders and members of this great party, we should all be proud of what we have accomplished for our country since our party took over control in 2015, as well as the exceptional economic development made during my administration’s previous three years. However, the task we started is unfinished.