President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is not becoming a one-party state, but instead, a country where one party — the All Progressives Congress (APC) — is making meaningful change.
He made the remarks during the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit held on Thursday, May 22, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The summit brought together APC party leaders, the National Working Committee (NWC), National Assembly leadership, and 22 state governors under the Progressive Governors’ Forum, who unanimously endorsed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
‘A one-party system is not suitable for democracy’
Addressing stakeholders, Tinubu acknowledged the progress made under his administration and defended the government’s tough economic reforms.
He emphasized that Nigerians were embracing APC due to its achievements and reforms.
“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.
The President reiterated his respect for citizens’ freedom of association, adding,
“I thank every one of you. I am thoroughly inspired. We are just halfway through the journey that started 24 months ago.”
Tinubu, governors, NASS hail reform efforts
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, and the APC leadership for standing by the administration’s bold steps in fixing the economy and restoring trust in governance.
“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.”
Tinubu highlighted key achievements, including curbing exchange rate arbitrage and initiating far-reaching tax reforms.
“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.”
“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,” he said.
Endorsements roll in for 2027
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, moved a motion endorsing Tinubu for a second term, citing his “inspiring and visionary leadership.”
The motion was seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also endorsed the President, commending his purposeful leadership. A
PC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje announced Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 elections.
“I urge all members to reject internal sabotage. Engage communities, listen to citizens, and build a political structure beyond elections,” Ganduje said.
He also called on party members to recommit to the vision that founded the APC, saying:
“Let us rally behind President Bola Tinubu, support our policies, and deliver the Renewed Hope Nigerians rightfully deserve.”
The summit reviewed developments in key sectors including health, infrastructure, and national security.
