President Bola Tinubu officially received his certificate of return on Sunday after securing victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary for the 2027 general elections. He garnered 10.99 million votes, decisively defeating his sole opponent, Stanley Osifo, who managed only 16,504 votes in the primaries held across 8,809 wards nationwide.
In his acceptance address, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s democratic progress and outlined his vision for the upcoming election. He emphasized the significance of the moment, not as a personal triumph but as a testament to the nation’s collective commitment to building a stable and prosperous society.
Recalling the 2022 primaries, Tinubu noted how he stood alongside former President Muhammadu Buhari and other aspirants. He expressed gratitude for the support that led to his emergence as the party’s candidate and later as president. Now, as the incumbent, he feels humbled by the continued confidence and energized for the challenges ahead.
He stressed that in 2022, the goal was to chart a new direction, but today’s focus is on consolidating reforms, securing progress, and strengthening Nigeria’s foundations. With humility, he accepted the party’s nomination to run again in 2027.
Thanking party leaders, governors, the National Working Committee, legislators, and loyal members, he acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerians who have supported the difficult reform path. He highlighted significant changes since June 2022, including electoral reforms that bolstered democratic credibility, structural economic changes, new tax laws, and improved fiscal policies that boosted federation revenue.
Tinubu pointed to achievements such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has disbursed over N282 billion to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries, removing financial barriers to higher education. In the power sector, he noted that 2.5 million meters were supplied through the Presidential Metering Initiative, ending estimated billing. A N4 trillion bond program was established to settle legacy debts to power generation companies, and peak generation reached 6000MW, a 50% increase from inherited levels.
The president also cited the removal of wasteful fuel subsidies, stabilization of exchange rates, and infrastructure investments in transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation. He mentioned ongoing construction of durable roads and superhighways, airport and seaport upgrades, and oil and gas reforms attracting billions in fresh investment.
On social programs, he emphasized support for vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses. He called for national unity, referencing the revived national anthem that celebrates diversity while promoting brotherhood: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand.”
Acknowledging ongoing challenges, Tinubu admitted that many Nigerians still face rising costs and economic adjustments. He assured that his government understands these struggles and governs with honesty and action. On security, he recognized the challenges in parts of the country and pledged to strengthen security architecture, support armed forces and police, and foster community partnerships. He called for constitutional amendments to allow state police as a national emergency measure.
Tinubu renewed his commitment to serve with greater determination, aiming to place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialization, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation. He extended a hand of partnership to political opponents and offered dialogue to those with differing philosophies, confident in the sincerity of his purpose and results.
He urged Nigerians to come together across regions to consolidate gains and tackle challenges, framing the next election as a reaffirmation of democratic maturity rather than a mere contest. He warned against complacency and politicians with no clear alternative vision.
Concluding with faith in God and confidence in the people, he accepted the nomination as the party’s torchbearer for the January 2027 election, pledging to build a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria with an inclusive government that listens, learns, and leads.