APC United, Strong, Ready for Future, Tinubu Declares at Convention

APC United, Strong, Ready for Future, Tinubu Declares at Convention

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains united, strong and prepared to lead Nigeria into the future.

Speaking at the party’s 4th Elective National Convention held in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu described the gathering as a defining moment for both the party and the country’s democracy.

“This convention is not just a gathering. It is a defining chapter in the story of our democracy and our party. It offers us the platform to renew our bond, strengthen our resolve and recommit ourselves to the ideals that brought us together,” Tinubu noted.

The president stressed that unity remains the backbone of the APC, warning that personal ambition and internal divisions could weaken the party if not properly managed.

“Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity. Political parties fail when ego overrides ideology or when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against that,” he said.

He said the convention should send a clear message to Nigerians and the international community that the APC is focused and ready for the future.

Tinubu recalled how the party was formed over a decade ago by leaders who set aside their differences to build a platform for national change. He noted that the vision of the founding members must be preserved and strengthened.

He also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari and other deceased party members, calling for a moment of silence in their honour.

On governance, the president defended his administration’s reforms, saying they were necessary to reposition the economy and secure long-term growth.

“The sacrifices of today are laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow,” he said.

Tinubu listed achievements of his administration to include infrastructure development, reforms in the tax system, improvements in the oil and gas sector, and rising investor confidence. He added that inflation has begun to ease while economic activities are picking up.

Despite these gains, he admitted that challenges remain, especially in the power sector, but assured that steps are being taken to address them.

The president also spoke on democracy, stating that the APC does not support a one-party system and welcomes a credible opposition.

“Democracy thrives on healthy competition. We believe in an opposition that can challenge and help refine policies,” Tinubu said.

He urged party members to remain disciplined and committed, noting that the APC was not created merely to win elections but to drive national transformation.

Tinubu further called for greater inclusion of young people and women in leadership positions, describing them as key to the country’s future.

“Young people are not just the future, they are our present strength,” he said, adding that women must also be given more opportunities to contribute to governance.

He charged delegates and aspirants at the convention to conduct themselves peacefully and put the party’s interest above personal ambition.

“At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor. We are one family,” he said.

The APC convention drew top party leaders, governors and stakeholders from across the country, as the party moved to strengthen its structure ahead of future political contests.