President Bola Tinubu has again stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not seek a one-party state, noting that democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition.
Speaking at the 4th Elective National Convention of the Party on Saturday at the Eagles Square, Abuja, the President said a credible opposition was necessary to challenge, question and help refine policies.
“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. That is how nations advance,” he said.
President Tinubu submitted that while the ruling party welcomes criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people. Noting that it was public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings.
“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,” he added.
The President reminded the APC members that the party was not merely a vehicle specially built to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories. But was founded as a vehicle for national transformation, a home for anybody who wants to build a Nigeria where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security reigns, poverty declines, and every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region or social status, can live with dignity and hope.
Underscoring the need for unity, President Tinubu said: “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 or when ambition replaces discipline. They fail when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against those tendencies at all costs. Therefore, this Convention must send one clear message to Nigerians and the world: Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.”
He assured Nigerians that the party was working assiduously towards fulfilling the solemn promise made to them in 2023 to chart a new course for national renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Explaining that while the party knew that rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions, it also knew that “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 since assuming office, the government has remained focused on delivering on its mandate to the Nigerian people. Saying that despite the complex global economic and political environment and the unanticipated blowout arising from the US-Israeli-Iranian War, the administration had made notable strides.
“We have made strides in infrastructure development, including the construction of superhighways and concrete-and-steel roads,” he added. “Apart from roads, we are modernising our seaports and airports. We have begun the implementation of a historic tax and fiscal policy reforms. We are implementing social investment programmes, and have embarked on efforts to strengthen our national security.”
President said: “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.
“Investor confidence has vastly improved. Our oil and gas sector has once more become attractive to foreign investment, following our reforms. Our Eurobond issuance was oversubscribed by 400%, and Nigeria exited the FATF Grey List, marking a decisive return to global financial credibility.
“Despite these achievements, we continue to face legacy issues such as electricity supply, debts to GENCOs and gas suppliers, and antiquated transmission infrastructure. 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.”
Calling for maturity, mutual respect, and fidelity to due process at the Convention, he said: “Conventions are not just observance of periodic party rituals. They are for institutional renewal. They present opportunities to deepen internal democracy, strengthen the party platform, reorganise our structure, and reaffirm our collective direction.
“I call on every delegate, aspirant, leader, and stakeholder to conduct themselves with integrity. Let no contest divide us. Let no outcome embitter us. At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor. We are one family, marching forward with clarity, discipline, and purpose.”
