Dare Babalola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for sustained unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that cohesion remains the party’s greatest strength as it charts a path toward national transformation.
Speaking on Friday at the party’s 4th Elective National Convention held at Eagles Square, Abuja, Tinubu delivered a sweeping address that blended reflection, policy defence, and a rallying call for discipline and collective purpose among party members.
The President described the convention as a “defining chapter” in both the party’s history and Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that it provides an opportunity to renew commitment to the ideals that birthed the APC in 2013.
Anchoring his speech on the theme “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tinubu emphasised that meaningful development cannot occur without internal cohesion.
He recalled the formation of the APC over a decade ago, when disparate political interests came together to “rescue” Nigeria from economic decline, noting that the same spirit of unity must be preserved.
According to him, political parties often collapse not from electoral defeat but from internal discord driven by ego and unchecked ambition.
“Our greatest strength has never been in our numbers, but in our unity,” he said, warning members against allowing personal interests to override collective goals.
Tinubu led party faithful in observing moments of silence in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and other deceased party leaders, praising their sacrifices in building what he described as a formidable political platform.
He urged members to protect and deepen the vision of the party’s founding figures, insisting that the APC was never conceived as a vehicle for selfish ambition but as an instrument for national development.
Addressing critics, Tinubu dismissed suggestions that the APC seeks to dominate Nigeria’s political space to the exclusion of others.
He reaffirmed his belief in a vibrant opposition, noting that constructive criticism is essential for strengthening governance and refining policy direction.
However, the President criticised opposition attacks on the Electoral Act 2026, maintaining that the law followed due legislative processes and reflects the country’s collective effort to strengthen democratic institutions.
Tinubu used the platform to defend his administration’s economic policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, acknowledging that reforms have been difficult but necessary.
He argued that Nigeria’s long-term prosperity depends on confronting structural challenges rather than avoiding tough decisions, including the removal of inefficient subsidies and reordering fiscal priorities.
“The sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow,” he stated.
Economic Gains and Policy Milestones
Highlighting achievements since assuming office, Tinubu pointed to improvements across key sectors of the economy.
He said Nigeria has recorded steady GDP growth, trade surpluses, and a decline in inflation to 14.45 percent over eight consecutive months. He also noted easing food prices and a resurgence in business confidence, evidenced by a year-long expansion in economic activity.
According to the President, investor confidence has rebounded significantly, with increased foreign interest in the oil and gas sector and a heavily oversubscribed Eurobond issuance. He added that Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list signals renewed global financial credibility.
Tinubu further highlighted ongoing infrastructure development, including road construction, modernisation of ports and airports, and the implementation of tax and fiscal reforms.
Despite the progress, the President acknowledged persistent challenges in the power sector, including debts owed to generation companies and outdated transmission infrastructure.
He announced plans to establish a Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO), which is expected to add about 1,600 megawatts to the national grid through a new transmission corridor.
Tinubu made a direct appeal to young Nigerians, describing them as central to the country’s future and urging the party to create more opportunities for youth participation in leadership and decision-making.
He also pledged greater inclusion for women, stressing that empowering women strengthens both the party and the broader democratic system.
“A party that excludes women weakens itself; a party that empowers women becomes stronger and more resilient,” he said.
The President urged delegates, aspirants, and stakeholders to conduct themselves with integrity throughout the convention, warning against actions that could create divisions.
He emphasised that the outcome of internal contests should not breed resentment, insisting that the party must emerge united regardless of individual ambitions.
“At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor,” Tinubu declared.
Tinubu commended members of the convention planning committee, including former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari and former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, for their organisational efforts.
He also praised several governors for their roles in ensuring the success of the event, including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mai Mala Buni, Hope Uzodimma, and Dapo Abiodun.
Looking ahead, Tinubu charged those to be elected into party positions to lead with humility, courage, and integrity, noting that the future of both the APC and Nigeria’s democracy depends on their leadership.
He also pointed to the party’s growing membership base, including defections from other political parties, as evidence of public trust in the APC’s vision.
The President concluded by urging party leaders to sustain this momentum through transparent management and credible leadership, anchored on a verifiable nationwide membership database.
“May God bless our great party and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
