Saturday March 28, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
President Bola Tinubu firmly dispelled notions of All Progressives Congress (APC) dominance evolving into a one-party state while branding relentless opposition attacks on the Electoral Act 2026 as “a disservice to the Nigerian people” during his address at the party’s 4th Elective National Convention.
“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,” Tinubu declared.
He added that the Act, born of “the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings”, embodies Nigeria’s “collective quest… to strengthen our electoral system.”
Speaking under the theme “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda”, Tinubu opened with optimism: “Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope. Gratitude to God Almighty for His grace upon our nation and our party. Pride in what we have built together as a party since 2013, and optimistic about a bright future for our nation, despite the challenges we face.” He hailed the convention as “a defining chapter in the story of our democracy”, urging renewal of bonds forged when patriots “set aside our political differences… for national redemption.”
President Tinubu led delegates to observe a minute’s silence for former President Muhammadu Buhari—“May Allah continue to keep his soul in Aljana Firdaus”—and another for departed leaders—“May their souls rest in perfect peace.” Tinubu vowed to deepen their vision: “All the departed members and those of us still alive bearing the torch did not build this party for division and selfishness.”
President Tinubu made a clarion call for unity. “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… We must guard against those tendencies at all costs.” The APC, he said, is no mere “vehicle… to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories” but one for transformation where “every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region or social status, can live with dignity and hope.” The convention must affirm, “Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.”
On governance, Tinubu recommitted to the Renewed Hope Agenda: “We made a solemn promise to chart a new course for national renewal… That agenda was not conceived as just another campaign slogan. It was conceived as a governing philosophy.” Amid global challenges such as the “US-Israeli-Iranian War”, he listed strides recorded to include “superhighways and concrete-and-steel roads”, seaport and airport modernisation, tax reforms, social investments, security improvements, foreign exchange buffers, rising stocks, GDP growth, trade surpluses, and inflation down to 14.45% over eight months. “Our Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400%, and Nigeria exited the FATF Grey List.” Power reforms via GAMCO promise 1,600 megawatts.
To the youth, he said, “You are not only the future of Nigeria. You are our hope… Your creativity, innovation, digital fluency… are our greatest national assets.” He added that the party must nurture them “as decision makers”. To women, he stated: “A party that excludes women weakens itself; a party that empowers women will be stronger… We have heard your calls, and we will act.”
Tinubu demanded decorum: “Conduct yourselves with integrity. Let no contest divide us.”
President Tinubu also addressed longstanding concerns over erratic electricity supply, assuring that his administration is actively tackling the issue through targeted reforms announced at the convention.
Acknowledging “legacy issues such as electricity supply, debts to GENCOs and gas suppliers, and antiquated transmission infrastructure”, Tinubu revealed plans for the Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO). “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,” he stated.
The pledge comes amid public frustration with frequent blackouts, despite broader economic gains highlighted in the speech, including declining inflation to 14.45%, GDP growth, and infrastructure projects such as superhighways. Tinubu framed these as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s shift “from survival mode to stability and steadily towards an era of prosperity”, insisting programmes are “real, visible, feasible, impactful, measurable, and not mere rhetoric.”
He lauded organisers—Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mai Mala Buni, Hope Uzodimma, and Dapo Abiodun—and charged new leaders: “Lead with courage, lead with integrity, and lead with vision… Sustain this expansive political structure through credible leadership.” He closed, “May God bless our great party. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
*TheSUN
