Tinubu Extends Olive Branch To Critics After Landslide APC Primary Victory

Tinubu calls for unity, dialogue and cooperation after securing APC presidential ticket with 10.9 million primary votes.

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, extended a hand of fellowship to his critics after winning the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tinubu, who reportedly polled a massive 10.9 million votes to emerge winner at the APC presidential primary election, said cooperation with all and sundry, especially his opponents, was necessary in the interest of national unity and progress.

He vowed to eliminate the threats to national security, saying his administration will not relent until peace and stability are fully restored across Nigeria.

Delivering his acceptance speech in Abuja after receiving his Certificate of Return as APC presidential candidate, Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges facing the country and promised that he would take seriously the responsibility to safeguard the life and property of every Nigerian.

The president stated, “To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building. To those who differ with our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the results of our work will speak for themselves.

“Democracy is sustained not by uniformity but by diversity, by a shared belief in the nation and the blending of ideas.

“Let us come together as Nigerians, from north to south, east to west, to consolidate our gains, tackle our challenges, and seize the promise of a greater tomorrow. The task ahead requires patriotism and collective effort.”

Tinubu said disagreement with the opposition was a feature of democracy rather than a threat.

He said, “You may be angry with our party; we don’t have to agree. Democracy is sustained not by uniformity but by diversity, by a shared belief in the nation, and the blending of ideas.

“To those who despise our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, not anger, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the results of our work will speak for themselves.”

The president stated, “Our government has intensified efforts to strengthen our security architecture, support our brave armed forces and the police, and forge stronger partnerships with local communities.

“We have invested in intelligence, surveillance, and modern equipment, and we are addressing the root causes of insecurity. We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of state police as a matter of national emergency.

“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country. Our resolve is unwavering, and our goal is clear: a Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and aspire without fear.”

Addressing APC stakeholders and leaders, including governors, National Assembly members, and National Working Committee (NWC) members, led by National Chairman of APC, Professor Netawe Yilwatda, Tinubu listed some of the achievements of his administration across all sectors of the economy since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

He acknowledged the support and sacrifices of Nigerians across all walks of life, who continued to believe in the difficult but necessary path of reform his government had chosen in trying to rebuild the country.

Tinubu stated, “Since that night in June 2022, a lot has changed. The political landscape has evolved. Electoral reforms have strengthened the credibility of our democratic process.

“Voting patterns and expectations are shifting. Our economy has undergone significant structural reform, supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the federation.

“We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and more than 1.5 million beneficiaries.

“We promised an improved power supply and an end to estimated billing. In the past three years, we have closed the metering gap by supplying 2.5 million meters via the Presidential Metering Initiative.”

He explained, “We have established a N4 trillion bond programme to settle verified legacy debts owed to GENCOs and GASCOs. Under our administration, power generation sometimes peaked at 6,000MW, 50 per cent higher than what we inherited.

“Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable, and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries. We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates, and weak infrastructure.”

He added, “Today, we are witnessing a turnaround: the naira is strengthening, foreign reserves are rising, and our economic outlook is positive despite the inflationary disruption caused by the war in Iran and the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.

“We have strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, financial management, and better fiscal coordination.

“We have prioritised infrastructure across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation as engines for inclusive growth. We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto–Badagry route that will last for over 100 years.”

Tinubu highlighted his government’s port infrastructure enhancement policy, saying, “We are improving our airports and seaports after decades of neglect. We have reformed the oil and gas sector and are attracting billions of dollars in fresh investment in a sector that was almost comatose.”

He spoke on poverty reduction and national orientation, stressing, “Our social investment and human capital programmes target vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses. In addition, we are reclaiming our national values and ethos anchored on unity and the unbroken bond of togetherness.

“While our founding and now revived national anthem recognises our diversity, it reminds us of the work we need to do to forge a stronger and more perfect union.

“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand. As Nigerians, we must continue to stand together for our country against all forces that seek to divide us.”

The president congratulated his opponent for the APC presidential ticket, Stanley Osifo, on being a good sportsman and accepting the outcome of the party primaries, saying he bears no grudge against him.

“I owe you no grudge, including Osifo, who spent his money,” the president said.

Osifo, a businessman from Edo State, who paid N100 million for the APC presidential nomination form and refused to step down after a planned consensus arrangement for the primary collapsed polled 16,503 votes nationwide.