President says sacrifices will yield prosperity, urges discipline within party
By Rejoice Peterside
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that internal divisions and personal ambitions could weaken the party’s long-term vision.
Speaking at the party’s 4th elective national convention held at Eagle Square on Friday, the President said the gathering marked a defining moment for both the party and Nigeria’s democracy.
He emphasised that unity remained the APC’s greatest strength, noting that political parties often fail not only through electoral defeat but when “ego overrides ideology” and personal interests overshadow collective goals.
Mr Tinubu urged party members to recommit to the founding ideals of the APC, which he said was established to drive national transformation and deliver good governance to Nigerians.
Reflecting on the party’s history, the President paid tribute to its founding members, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling for a moment of silence in honour of deceased leaders who contributed to its formation.
On governance, the President defended his administration’s reform policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, acknowledging that while the decisions had been difficult, they were necessary for long-term economic stability.
“No nation rises by avoiding hard truths or sustaining wasteful practices,” he said, adding that current sacrifices would lay the foundation for future prosperity.
Mr Tinubu highlighted key economic gains, including declining inflation, improved investor confidence, growth in the stock market, and increased foreign investment in the oil and gas sector. He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure development, tax reforms, and social investment programmes as evidence of progress.
The President, however, admitted that challenges persist, particularly in the power sector, citing debts owed to generation companies and outdated transmission infrastructure. He disclosed plans to establish a Grid Asset Management Company aimed at boosting electricity supply.
Addressing criticism from opposition parties, Mr Tinubu dismissed claims that the APC seeks to dominate Nigeria’s political space, insisting that democracy thrives on credible opposition. He defended the Electoral Act, stating that it followed due legislative processes and reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
The President also directed his message to young people and women, calling for increased inclusion in political leadership and decision-making processes. He described youths as critical to Nigeria’s future and urged the party to create more opportunities for their participation.
He further encouraged delegates and aspirants at the convention to conduct themselves with integrity, stressing that the outcome of internal contests should not divide the party.
“At the end of this convention, our party must be the victor,” he said.
Mr Tinubu commended members of the convention planning committee and APC governors for ensuring the successful organisation of the event. He charged newly elected party officials to lead with humility, transparency, and commitment to the party’s ideals.
The convention, held under the theme “Unity in Progress: Consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda,” brought together party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the country to elect new officials and reaffirm the party’s direction ahead of future elections.
