APC Primary: Tinubu Warns Against “Directionless” Politicians

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday cautioned Nigerians against entrusting the country’s future to what he described as “directionless” politicians as he formally accepted the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja after emerging winner of the APC presidential primary conducted nationwide on Saturday.

The President secured 10,999,162 votes to defeat his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo, who polled 16,503 votes in the exercise that took place across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking during his acceptance speech at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Tinubu said the next general election should not become an opportunity for politicians without a clear agenda to reverse ongoing reforms and national progress.

“This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity,” he said.

“As a government, we have taken giant steps forward. Let’s not give in to complacency by allowing politicians with no clear alternative vision to take our country backwards.”

The President described his emergence as a renewed mandate to continue reforms initiated by his administration, insisting that continuity was necessary to consolidate economic recovery and strengthen democratic institutions.

He recalled how he emerged as APC presidential candidate in 2022 before going on to win the general election, saying the task before the party in 2027 was to protect and sustain the gains already recorded.

“Today, our task is to affirm that continuity is essential — to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria,” he stated.

Tinubu used the occasion to defend major economic policies introduced by his administration, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms and fiscal restructuring.

According to him, the economy is gradually stabilising despite inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainties.

He said government reforms had improved revenue generation, strengthened foreign reserves and restored investor confidence in key sectors of the economy.

The President also highlighted achievements in education, power and infrastructure, disclosing that more than N282 billion had been disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to over 1.5 million beneficiaries.

On power supply, Tinubu said the administration had supplied 2.5 million meters through the Presidential Metering Initiative and introduced a N4 trillion bond programme to offset debts owed to electricity generation and gas companies.

“Under our administration, power generation sometimes peaked at 6000 megawatts, 50 per cent higher than what we inherited,” he said.

He further pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity across the country.

While acknowledging the hardship many Nigerians are facing due to economic reforms, Tinubu said his administration remained focused on long-term recovery and national development.

“We do not dismiss these concerns; we understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality — with honesty and action,” he added.

On security, the President said his administration had intensified investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and military operations to tackle insecurity across the country.

He also called on the National Assembly to urgently consider constitutional amendments to allow the establishment of state police.

“We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country,” Tinubu assured.

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the presidential primary as transparent and credible.

He said accreditation and collation were conducted across wards, local governments and states before the final national collation in Abuja.

Yilwatda noted that the process was broadcast live as part of efforts to deepen internal democracy within the ruling party.

“It shows that APC is open when challenges arise,” he said, adding that minor disputes during collation were resolved through consultations involving representatives of both aspirants.

Tinubu recorded commanding victories in several states, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Imo and Adamawa.

His challenger, Osifo, secured limited votes in a few states, including Niger, Kano, Bauchi and Lagos.

The APC presidential primary concluded the party’s nationwide nomination exercises ahead of the 2027 general election.