*Dismisses Fears Of One-Party State
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, May 22, said he was expecting more politicians to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that defection was part of the game.
Saying he was happy with what his administration and the party had achieved so far, Tinubu added that he did not expect people to remain in “a sinking ship without a life jacket,” a veiled reference to the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President stated this while addressing party leaders, the National Working Committee (NWC) members, leadership of the National Assembly and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, which comprises 22 governors, who collectively endorsed him for a second term, at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Tinubu said his administration’s focus on economic reforms for long-term gains has continued to receive positive reviews from within and outside the country, stressing: “A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians.
“You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game.”
Tinubu said Nigerians have the constitutional right to choose between associations, noting: “I thank every one of you. I am thoroughly inspired. We are just halfway through the journey that started 24 months ago.”
He thanked members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for courageously pursuing the vision of a better Nigeria, and the party leadership and National Assembly for their support.
he said further: “Together, we pledged to confront Nigeria’s challenges head-on by rebuilding the trust, fostering prosperity and restoring our nation’s economic quest.
“Today, I am proud to affirm that our economic reforms are working. Nothing good comes easy in life. All of you have been through life, and sometimes, only hard decisions can make things easy in the future. We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and unborn babies.
“Through our Renewed Hope Agenda, our administration pledged to tackle economic instability, improve security nationwide, reduce corruption, reform governance and lift our people out of poverty.
“How fast could you have rebuilt this country? If you allow the arbitrage in the exchange rate to continue, that is the grandfather of corruption. You could see EFCC recover over seven hundred and fifty-something houses from one person.”
He admitted that the reforms were tough decisions, but assured Nigerians they were necessary, adding: “Yes, we encountered challenges when we assumed office in May 2023, but we have made progress by implementing difficult, long overdue, but necessary economic reforms.
“We have eliminated the arbitrage-driven multiple foreign exchanges, and our far-reaching tax reforms are coming.
“Because of the reforms, our country now attracts foreign direct investments that will ultimately create jobs and produce much-needed goods and services that will significantly improve the standard of living of our people.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said Tinubu had provided inspiring and visionary leadership and deserved a second term.
He, therefore, moved a motion to pass a vote of confidence in the President and endorse him for a second term in 2027, which was seconded by the Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also commended the President for his purposeful and inclusive leadership and expressed support for his second term bid.
National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the NWC members to endorse the President for a second term, said Tinubu would be the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential elections.
He added: “I urge all members to reject internal sabotage. Engage communities, listen to citizens and build a political structure beyond elections.”
The former Kano State governor charged members to renew their commitment to the principles that unite the party and inspire its formation, noting: “Let us rally behind President Bola Tinubu, support our policies and deliver the Renewed Hope Nigerians rightfully deserve.”
Reacting to the endorsement, Tinubu expressed gratitude, saying: “The endorsement today, the ‘carry go’ expression, I know road. We will lead you on to that promised land.
“The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course. The hope is standing before you, take it on. You are the leaders and the conscience of this country. Nigeria will be industrialised. The next two years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision.
“To many of you I have not offered political positions, be patient, many things are coming.”
