President Bola Tinubu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) was established as a platform for national transformation, aimed at reducing poverty, improving security, and reforming Nigeria’s institutions.
Speaking at the party’s 4th elective national convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja, the president stressed that the APC was created not merely to secure electoral victories, but to serve as a vehicle for effective governance and national development.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“This 4th elective national convention of our great party is not merely a gathering. It is a defining chapter in the story of our democracy and our party.
“As a party, this convention offers us the platform to renew our bond, strengthen our resolve, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that brought us together in the first place.”
He noted that the party was founded to bring together Nigerians committed to building a country where institutions function efficiently, opportunities are accessible, and citizens can live with dignity regardless of background.
Reflecting on the party’s foation, Tinubu said its founders united out of a shared desire to rescue Nigeria from economic decline and reposition it for growth and stability.
According to him, the convention represents a critical moment for the party to reaffirm its ideals, strengthen unity, and recommit to its founding vision under the theme, “Unity in progress: Consolidating the renewed hope agenda.”
The president also dismissed claims that the APC seeks to establish a one-party state, emphasizing that democracy thrives on credible opposition and healthy political competition.
Tinubu, however, criticized persistent attacks by opposition figures on the proposed electoral act 2026, describing them as a disservice to Nigerians and democratic progress.
“While we welcome criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the electoral act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people. 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 said.
“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.”
On his administration’s reforms, he acknowledged that the path to economic recovery has been challenging but necessary, stressing that difficult decisions are required to achieve long-term national prosperity.
He maintained that his government deliberately chose reforms over maintaining unsustainable policies, noting that no economy grows by sustaining wasteful subsidies or dysfunctional priorities.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Despite global economic pressures, including the impact of the United States (U.S)-Israel-Iran tensions, Tinubu said his administration has recorded progress in key sectors, particularly infrastructure, with ongoing investments in major road projects and superhighways.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the critical role of young people in Nigeria’s development, describing them as the country’s hope for a more glorious and assured future.
“To the young people of our party and our nation, 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,” the president stated.
“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.”
He expressed confidence that the current sacrifices by Nigerians would ultimately yield lasting economic benefits and a more stable future.
“This growth demonstrates the strength of our beliefs and Nigerians’ trust in our party. My charge to you is to sustain this expansive political structure through credible leadership and transparent party management, anchored in a reliable, verifiable database of our members nationwide,” he added.
“May God bless our great party. May God bless the federal republic of Nigeria. Thank you all.”
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